Testing the Tethics Board Game with Educators, Professionals, and Learners
When we talk about existential risks, what do we really mean? These “big words” carry big implications, especially in the realm of technology. Through our Erasmus+ project, Tethics: A Serious Game for Innovative Education in Ethics of Technology (2023-1-EL01-KA210-VET-000161379), we are tackling these questions head-on by developing a board game designed to make these abstract concepts tangible and engaging.
The Foundation of Tethics
Our project builds on the outcomes of ETHICS4CHALLENGES – Innovative Ethics Education for Major Technological and Scientific Challenges (2022-1-TR01-KA220-HED-000089082). As identified in that initiative, there are three key categories of existential risks in the Ethics of Technology:
- Ethics of Digitalization: Navigating issues such as data privacy, AI transparency, and the societal impacts of automation.
- Ethics of Biomedicalization: Addressing challenges in genetics, AI-driven healthcare, and the ethical use of medical technologies.
- Environmental Ethics: Examining the role of technology in climate change, resource depletion, and sustainable innovation.
These risks are interconnected, posing complex challenges that demand thoughtful, ethical decision-making.
Why Call Them Risks?
Technology has transformed our world, but with progress comes responsibility.
- Why are they called risks? Because they threaten to disrupt society if not handled ethically.
- How is technology involved? By creating both the tools for progress and the dilemmas that demand scrutiny.
- How is humanity engaged? Through the decisions we make, both individually and collectively, about how technology is developed, deployed, and regulated.
The Role of the Tethics Board Game
Our board game takes these complex concepts and transforms them into interactive learning experiences. Players will step into the roles of key societal groups—such as governments, researchers, businesses, and the public—to navigate ethical dilemmas tied to these existential risks.
Through gameplay, players will:
- Explore real-world scenarios inspired by Ethics of Digitalization, Biomedicalization, and Environmental Ethics.
- Debate ethical approaches and make decisions with far-reaching consequences.
- Learn how collaboration and compromise shape ethical outcomes.
What’s Next?
Follow the journey of Tethics as we continue to develop and refine this innovative game. From concept to creation, we’re transforming big ideas into a hands-on tool for education. Stay tuned for updates, insights, and sneak peeks into the game creation process.
Together, let’s navigate the ethics of technology and build a more responsible future!
