RECTA RATIO AGIBILUM AS IMPERATIVE FOR ADVANCING HUMAN GOOD IN TECH AGE

Precious Obioha Uwaezuoke

Department of Philosophy, Akwa Ibom State University

Abstract

Recta Ratio Agibilum (Right reason in action or right way of doing things) is a concept in Thomistic philosophy. It is an imperative for Advancing Human Good in Tech Age as it is clearly associated with the virtue of prudence and virtue ethics. It can therefore enhance an attempt to rationalize the deployment of technology in the pursuit of human good especially in this tech age. The pursuit of human good is a desideratum for the philosopher who must at all times engage his philosophical arsenal in defining, analyzing and redefining various human engagements and practices that affect the good of man. science and technology are in the forefront of affecting the destiny of man positively or negatively. In this tech age, emerging technologies are defining and redefining human life and its destiny in no small measure most times with a seeming unavoidable mixed feelings. Extant literatures have considered this problematic and have offered far reaching philosophical recommendations towards a solution by offering the principle of recta ratio agibilum. However, these literatures have missed the foundation that should ground the right and effective application of this principle which is the right conception of man. without the right conception of man, right production and consumption of technological goods will have no place – right conception leads to right action. Deploying the analytical and critical methods of philosophical investigation, I analyzed key concepts and critically engaged with certain arguments in relation to emerging technologies and their promises to deliver human goods. Thereafter, I argued and consequently recommended that right conception is part and parcel and in fact the foundation of the principle of Recta Ratio Agibilum that must effectively be engaged to pursue and secure human good in the tech age.

Keywords: Technology, Human Person, Human Dignity, Human Good, Rationality.