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Analysis of the Relation of Moral and Aesthetic Values in Technological Artifacts

Khadembashi, Amir Reza | 2025

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  1. Type of Document: M.Sc. Thesis
  2. Language: Farsi
  3. Document No: 58721 (42)
  4. University: Sharif University of Technology
  5. Department: Philosophy of Science
  6. Advisor(s): Taqavi, Mostafa; Rahmanian, Ahmad
  7. Abstract:
  8. The present study aims to develop an analytical framework for explaining the relation of aesthetic and moral values in technological artifacts. Identifying a theoretical gap in the philosophy of technology and art—where most discussions have focused on limited aspects of this relation—the research provides a systematic review and critical evaluation of key theories in the ethics of technology, the aesthetics of technology, and the intersection between these two domains in art and technology. This analysis reveals that while existing theories offer valuable insights, they fall short of presenting a comprehensive framework capable of explaining the full complexity and dynamism of this relation—particularly in simultaneously accounting for the roles of designer, user, artifact, and context, as well as variations across different stages of the artifact’s lifecycle (pre-use, in-use, and post-use). In response to these limitations, the Dual Property Model is proposed. This model distinguishes between primary properties (material and structural) and secondary properties (technical, moral, and aesthetic) and offers a metaphysical account of their interrelation. It introduces specific mechanisms for the emergence of each type of secondary feature: enabling and dispositional capacities for technical values; interpretation, meaning-making, and behavioral or judgmental formation for moral values; and instinctive, behavioral, and reflective levels for aesthetic values. Together, these elements provide a coherent and non-reductionist framework for analyzing the moral–aesthetic interplay in technological artifacts. Using this framework, the study analyzes eight possible modes of interaction between ethics and aesthetics in technology—covering both constructive and reinforcing relations in the directions of “ethics to aesthetics” and “aesthetics to ethics”. These analyses elucidate the processes of mutual influence and transformation between the two value domains. The proposed model overcomes the theoretical shortcomings of previous accounts and offers a detailed explanation of value dynamics, yielding significant implications for design practice and ethical decision-making by designers, users, and policymakers. Ultimately, the framework provides a conceptual tool for evaluating and guiding technological design toward the creation of artifacts that are technically efficient, morally sound, and aesthetically appealing
  9. Keywords:
  10. Technical Artifact ; Technology Ethics ; Technology Aesthetics ; Value Relations ; Technology Axiology

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