This paper explores possibilities for creating a code of conduct for practitioners working in technology ethics. The number of technology ethics practitioners is growing when including ethicists embedded in research projects on technology, members of research ethics committees who assess the consequences of technological research, ethicists advising companies, and facilitators in moral/societal exploration through workshops, games, and brainstorm sessions. And, it is not just assessment what technology ethics practitioners do, but increasingly also the guidance of technology development through processes like responsible research and innovation, ethics by design, and design for values. Our exploratory is initial, and this paper may be seen as a position paper. It focusses on preliminary issues such as identifying the types of ethics practitioners the code can be for, the roles the code can play for these practitioners, charting controversies it should address, and the (institutional) arrangements needed for making a code effective.

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Wicked problems, such as climate change, poverty, and antibiotic resistance, are ethical problems, as moral plurality about the social good is one of their constituting factors. Although wicked problems cannot be fully solved, they are urgent and demand intervention. While design thinking was suggested in the 1990s to deal with wicked problems, it is still an open question how it can address moral plurality. In this article, we consider how design thinking can address moral plurality in wicked problems. We propose that designers using design thinking can adopt four normative paradigms toward moral plurality, namely moral agnosticism (design for solutions), moral pragmatism (design for aggregated preferences), moral unificationism (design for community-created values), and transcendental moralism (design for The Good). Then, we argue that designers can address moral pluralism and deal with wicked problems within the first three approaches to normativity, provided that designers acknowledge that their responses to wicked problems may fail over time and require new design responses. Ignoring that possibility fits within the paradigm of transcendental moralism, which does not give designers the means to deal with wicked problems.

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This paper focuses on stakeholder identification as per the value sensitive design (VSD) approach applied to the context of quantum technologies (QT) and contributes to a better understanding of the complex and dynamic nature of the QT landscape. We provide two comprehensive lists of stakeholders as starting points for VSD researchers and practitioners. These lists encompass a diverse range of organizations, including private companies, government agencies, NGOs, partnerships and professional/trade organizations. Our aim is to facilitate the recognition, legitimation and understanding of stakeholder interactions in the development of QT. These stakeholder lists lay a foundation for designing and implementing policies and strategies that promote the ethical and responsible development of QT, considering the values and interests of various stakeholders. Furthermore, these lists enable empirical and technical studies on specific QT innovations using an ethics-by-design approach like VSD.@en

“De woningcrisis biedt kansen. De kans om een duurzaam en langdurig gezond woonklimaat te realiseren.”

Woningnood is geen nieuw verschijnsel in ons land. Al in de negentiende eeuw leidde snelle bevolkingsgroei en verstedelijking tot een huisvestingstekort; de woningwet van 1901 moest daar een eind aan maken. In de wederopbouwjaren na de tweede wereldoorlog kwam de woningbouw maar langzaam op gang. En in de jaren 80 van de vorige eeuw was ‘geen woning, geen kroning’ de leus van demonstranten die aandacht vroegen voor woningnood.@en

In this editorial, we engage with the European Commission's 2023 recommendation calling for risk assessment with Member States on four critical technology areas, including quantum technology. A particular emphasis is put on the risks associated with technology security and technology leakage. Such risks may lead to protectionist measures. Mobilising European normative anchor points that inform the “right impacts” of research and innovation, we argue that a protectionist approach on the part of the European Union can lead to moral isolationism. This, in turn, can limit Europe's contribution to global development with respect to technological advances, sustainable development and quality of life. We contend that decisions on protectionism around quantum technology should not be made with a protectionist mindset about European values.

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The rapid growth of quantum technologies requires an increasing number of physicists, computer scientists, and engineers who can work on these technologies. For educating these professionals, quantum mechanics should stop being perceived as incomprehensible. In this paper we contribute to this change by presenting a pedagogical model for explaining Grover's search algorithm, a prominent quantum algorithm. This model visualizes the three main steps of Grover's algorithm and, in addition to explaining the algorithm itself, introduces three key principles of quantum mechanics: superposition, interference, and state collapse at measurement. The pedagogical model, visualized by a video, is called the ant colony maze model. It represents the search problems as finding the exit of a maze, and visualizes Grover's search algorithm as a strategy by which a colony of ants finds that exit.@en

The European Union strives to align research and innovation to the values, needs and expectations of society to address societal challenges. To support this alignment the European Union endeavours to make Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) part of the governmental policies on science and technology of its member states. If the European Union is effective in this endeavour, then principles that are common in the field of RRI should play a significant role in the perspectives that belong to the member states’ policy officers for research and innovation. In this paper we empirically check this by conducting a Q-method study on Dutch policy officers working on quantum technology-related policies. In this study we found four perspectives on innovation among these policy officers. In all these perspectives some of the RRI principles are present in merely a weak manner, or even absent, casting substantial doubts on whether RRI has become part of the EU member state governmental policies on science and technology.@en

Functional claims about technical artefacts set a second stage on which theories of functions can prove themselves. We present a general framework for understanding theories of technical functions. In particular, we argue that theories of technical functions can be seen as sophisticated combinations of three archetypical accounts, which we call the intentional account, the causal-role account and the evolutionist account. These abstracted, general theories of functions apply to both biology and technology, all with their respective drawbacks and benefits. When focusing on technology these drawbacks and benefits appear complementary, suggesting that the archetypes can be combined into a tenable analysis of technical functions. We argue that straightforward combinations inherit the drawbacks of the archetypes or have new ones. Then, we show that three existing theories of technical functions – our own ICE theory and alternatives devised by Krohs and by Longy – can be taken as sophisticated combinations. In each theory, one of the archetypes is corrected by incorporating elements of the others. Finally, we consider the applicability of our three-archetype framework to function theories that apply to biology as well as to technology.@en

As quantum technologies (QT) advance, their potential impact on and relation with society has been developing into an important issue for exploration. In this paper, we investigate the topic of democratization in the context of QT, particularly quantum computing. The paper contains three main sections. First, we briefly introduce different theories of democracy (participatory, representative, and deliberative) and how the concept of democratization can be formulated with respect to whether democracy is taken as an intrinsic or instrumental value. Second, we give an overview of how the concept of democratization is used in the QT field. Democratization is mainly adopted by companies working on quantum computing and used in a very narrow understanding of the concept. Third, we explore various narratives and counter-narratives concerning democratization in QT. Finally, we explore the general efforts of democratization in QT such as different forms of access, formation of grassroot communities and special interest groups, the emerging culture of manifesto writing, and how these can be located within the different theories of democracy. In conclusion, we argue that although the ongoing efforts in the democratization of QT are necessary steps towards the democratization of this set of emerging technologies, they should not be accepted as sufficient to argue that QT is a democratized field. We argue that more reflexivity and responsiveness regarding the narratives and actions adopted by the actors in the QT field and making the underlying assumptions of ongoing efforts on democratization of QT explicit, can result in a better technology for society.@en

Various approaches have emerged over the last several decades to meet the challenges and complexities of anticipating and responding to the potential impacts of emerging technologies. Although many of the existing approaches share similarities, they each have shortfalls. This paper takes as the object of its study Anticipatory Ethics for Emerging Technologies (ATE) to technology assessment, given that it was formatted to address many of the privations characterising parallel approaches. The ATE approach, also in practice, presents certain areas for retooling, such as how it characterises levels and objects of analysis. This paper results from the work done with the TechEthos Horizon 2020 project in evaluating the ethical, legal, and social impacts of climate engineering, digital extended reality, and neurotechnologies. To meet the challenges these technology families present, this paper aims to enhance the ATE framework to encompass the variety of human processes and material forms, functions, and applications that comprise the socio-technical systems in which these technologies are embedded.@en

Purpose: Customization is a paradox in architecture, providing necessary modernization for buildings but potentially damaging their architectural integrity. In this paper, the authors introduce the Inhabitant-Driven Customization approach for avoiding this paradox; this approach lets inhabitants design the customization from options created by architects that safeguard architectural rules. As a first implementation of the Inhabitant-Driven Customization approach, the MyChanges tool is presented. The authors assess whether the approach avoids the customization paradox by a qualitative stakeholder evaluation of the MyChanges tool and by a comparison of the Inhabitant-Driven Customization approach with existing approaches to housing customization. Design/methodology/approach: MyChanges is a shape grammar-based design tool developed to enable inhabitants of the Álvaro Siza Vieira Malagueira housing complex to customize their houses in accordance with the architectural language of the complex. In this study, the authors qualitatively evaluated MyChanges with architects and other professional stakeholders. MyChanges is used in this paper to assess if the Inhabitant-Driven Customization approach avoids the paradox of customization. The initial reception of MyChanges produced diverging outcomes, suggesting that Inhabitant-Driven Customization is also unable to avoid the customization paradox. For analyzing this possibility further, this paper describes the main existing approaches to housing customization, including the Inhabitant-Driven Customization approach, formulates nine conditions for these approaches, and provides a qualitative comparative assessment of the approaches. Findings: The customization paradox is demonstrated in the outcomes of the interviews with professional stakeholders on the MyChanges customization tool for the Malagueira housing complex. An argument is given that makes plausible that the Inhabitant-Driven Customization approach avoids the customization paradox by creating a co-design process in which inhabitants and architects alternately shape customization. Originality/value: The originality of this paper lies in the introduction and discussion of the paradox of customization in housing. The paper identifies the conditions advanced in architecture for assessing housing customization approaches. Additionally, the authors propose a new customization approach and a design tool that to a large extent fulfills those conditions and avoids the customization paradox.

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De economische en nationale veiligheidsbelangen van Nederland worden beide gediend door snel toegang tot de eerste generaties van grotere operationele quantumcomputers. Het leveren van een sleutelbijdrage aan een Europees project voor het bouwen van deze quantumcomputers lijkt daarvoor het beste middel. @en

This contribution discusses the efficacy of design to realize the aims for which it is employed. Engineering design may be taken as effective in this sense, yet for design thinking as it is emerging in innovative design, social design, nudging, and design for values, this efficacy is not yet established. This contribution surveys the means available for evaluating the designs created by engineering and design thinking methods respectively, and explores how design methods for design thinking can be validated as guarantees for the effectiveness of design. Current work in design research may provide the future means for establishing that design thinking is indeed effective. It is argued that philosophy of technology should be involved in analyzing, understanding, and turning design thinking into a reliable means for realizing its aims. Until then, philosophers should critically monitor whether design thinking realizes the aims for which it is employed.@en

Engineering Systems Design is an emerging perspective with a growing community. The preceding chapters in the Handbook of Engineering Systems Design presented the engineering systems perspective, models for describing and methods for designing interventions in engineering systems, as well as reflections on the use of those methods and upcoming practice, educational and policy challenges. In this chapter, we are taking a look at the future of Engineering Systems Design. We start by highlighting productivity, sustainability and resilience as three societal objectives, and proceed to discuss critical paradoxes we must address through engineering systems interventions: providing a high standard of living for everyone, without paying the environmental price; a fast minimisation and mitigation of climate change without taking risks; and the challenge of global transformations respecting local needs. We continue to discuss what we consider three critical engineering systems design capabilities we must develop to resolve these paradoxes: the ability to manage systems requirements at societal scale; the development of scale-covariant engineering systems; and mastering connectability. We conclude the chapter with a call to action for researchers, practitioners and policy makers to advance theory, design methods and tools, and stakeholder outreach development to strengthen our engineering systems design capabilities.@en

Due primarily to technological advances over the last decade, quantum research has become a key priority area for science and technology policy all over the world. With this manifesto, we wish to prevent quantum technology from running into fiascos of implementation at the interface of science and society. To this end, we identify key stumbling blocks and propose recommendations.@en

This magazine is both an introduction into quantum computing and an exploration of its impact on our world. It follows on from our 2019 magazine on the quantum internet. Since 2019, much progress has been made in quantum technologies worldwide. In 2020, for instance, the first European quantum computer came online in Delft. Although this is meant for experiments only, it shows that quantum computing is becoming real. We aim to present you with a basic picture of quantum computing, and sketch applications for which it can be used. The contents are meant to be accessible, but some texts may be more suitable for readers with a basic understanding of quantum technology. Let that not be a reason to stop exploring: the magazine is meant to be browsed, so you can find the articles that help you learn about quantum computers. At TU Delft, we see it as our responsibility to investigate and inform you about the impact of the technologies we develop. Hence, we also explore the potential impact of quantum computing on the world: how the expected wave of applications may ripple through society. This exploration is partly guess-work. Quantum computing is a new technology and no doubt more applications will be discovered. Moreover, while as a university we are good at describing what quantum computing is, it will be future users who determine what meaning its applications will have. That is why we also asked the help of experts in and outside of academia when exploring the impact of quantum computing. This magazine is the result of the work by the Quantum Computing Vision Team. Vision teams are composed of TU Delft scientists and engineers from many disciplines, and with vision teams TU Delft participates in public discussions on technologies. We hope this magazine offers you insights of what quantum computing can bring, and invites you to become part of the discussion of how we can make quantum computing meaningful to you and to society. @en

In this paper we present and assess tools for visualizing architectonic modifications of existing housing in co-design projects with inhabitants. These tools should enable inhabitants to explore and understand design variations of alterations of their houses. This contribution is part of ongoing research on the use of artificial realities for supporting the transformations of existing housing in architectonically responsible ways. Such transformations may be needed after the delivery of housing, say after five years or later, due to changed regulation, the need of updates or changed living conditions of inhabitants. For arriving at architectonically responsible transformations, we use shape grammar system for defining possible modifications of the housing. For empowering inhabitants to understand and explore these modifications to their housing, we develop a transformation grammar tool—MyChanges—to visualize the modifications by three visualization modes, from fully immersive to non-immersive. Interviews and tests with real inhabitants were performed, and preliminary conclusions show that a tool like the MyChanges would have a good acceptance among inhabitants.

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Reimagining suggests the idea of opening up new, unconventional spaces of possibilities for an activity or an entity that already exists. This chapter sketches some ideas of the future of engineering in various aspects: designing, action, problem framing, professional and disciplinary identity, and the training of future engineers. The thoughts presented here are intended to be inconclusive. They take up and address the question of reimagining the future of engineering in order to inspire future dialogue between philosophers and engineers.@en

In order to ensure successful product development processes, manifold modelling approaches have been developed, which cover a wide range of aspects such as responsibilities, duration of activities and dependencies. Still, an industry standard does not exist. Users of process modelling approaches are driven by different targets depending on the respective role. Currently, practitioners need to evaluate strengths and weaknesses of each approach by themselves and find little guidance for the selection. As a consequence, users might select unsuitable approaches and do not get the expected result. Thus, the intended applications of the model such as analyses or an optimization of the process are hampered. This could heavily affect companies´ success by product or project failures. The paper shows the concept of a recommendation tool that enables a suitable and effective selection of process modelling approaches. Key element is the description of relevant use cases and personas that represent the various needs of both different company types as well as different roles within such as process modellers and users. By identifying the most relevant case, each practitioner will be successfully guided to the most suitable modelling approach.@en