The Relevance of Jacob Bronowski's Thought in the Ascent of Man to

the Development of Digital Technology

Asep Soegiarto

, Alyan Fatwa

, Suyitno

, Wisnu Djatmiko

and Indah Fajar Rosalina

State University of Jakarta, Indonesia

Keywords: Digital Technology Ethics, Technological Philosophy, Science-Art Integration, Human-Technology

Coevolution

Abstract: This study explores the enduring relevance of Jacob Bronowski’s seminal work, “The Ascent of Man,” to the

rapidly evolving landscape of digital technology. Bronowski’s interdisciplinary approach to understanding

human progress provides a unique lens through which to examine the ethical, cultural, and philosophical

implications of our digital age. The research employs a qualitative analysis of Bronowski’s key concepts,

juxtaposing them against contemporary technological developments and their societal impacts. Particular

attention is given to Bronowski’s ideas on the evolution of knowledge, the integration of arts and sciences,

and the moral responsibilities of scientific advancement. These themes are examined in the context of artificial

intelligence, big data, and the increasing digitalization of human experience. The study reveals striking

parallels between Bronowski’s vision of human ascent and the trajectory of digital innovation, highlighting

the continued importance of maintaining a holistic, humanistic perspective in technological progress.

1 INTRODUCTION

In the rapidly evolving digital age, we are challenged

to understand and manage technological progress in

accordance with human values. Jacob Bronowski's

work "The Ascent of Man" (1973) offers an

interesting perspective on the evolution of human

knowledge and its relationship to technological

development. Although written nearly five decades

ago, Bronowski's thoughts remain relevant in the

context of today's digital revolution.

The primary aim of this article is to examine the

relevance of Bronowski’s ideas to contemporary

developments in digital technology, with a focus on

artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and the broader

process of digitalization. By analyzing Bronowski's

key concepts and relating them to current digital

technology issues, we can gain valuable insights into

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how to steer technological progress to remain human-

centered and humanitarian.

The development of digital technologies has

transformed the way we interact, work and

understand the world (Luciano Floridi, 2014).

Artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of

Things have opened up new possibilities while raising

complex ethical questions (O’Neil, 2016). In this

context, Bronowski's views on the integration of

science and art and on moral responsibility in

scientific progress are particularly relevant.

Jacob Bronowski's “The Ascent of Man” offers

an insightful examination of human civilization

through the perspective of scientific advancements.

Bronowski chronicles the progression of human

society, emphasizing the interconnectedness of

scientific innovation and artistic creativity. This work

presents a sweeping narrative, charting the ongoing

Soegiarto, A., Fatwa, A., Suyitno, , Djatmiko, W. and Rosalina, I. F.

The Relevance of Jacob Bronowski’s Thought in the Ascent of Man to the Development of Digital Technology.

DOI: 10.5220/0013407700004654

Paper published under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

In Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Humanities Education, Law, and Social Science (ICHELS 2024), pages 431-436

ISBN: 978-989-758-752-8

431

evolution of humanity from its primitive origins to

modern times.

Bronowski emphasized the importance of

understanding science as an integral part of human

culture, rather than as a separate entity (Bronowski,

1973). This idea is consistent with contemporary

thinking about the relationship between technology

and society (Harari, 2015). Meanwhile, the concept of

"co-evolution" between humans and machines

discussed by Mazlish (1993) resonates with

Bronowski's understanding of technological

development as part of human "ascent".

However, with the rapid advancement of digital

technology comes concerns about its impact on

privacy, equality, and the very nature of humanity

(Zuboff, 2019). Here, the relevance of Bronowski's

thoughts on ethics and responsibility in the

development of science becomes increasingly

important.

An important aspect of Bronowski's thinking

is his emphasis on creativity and innovation as the

core of human progress. In the context of digital

technology, this creativity is manifested in the

development of increasingly sophisticated artificial

intelligence (AI). Boden (2018) explores the

relationship between AI and cultural evolution, a

topic implicitly addressed by Bronowski in the

context of scientific development (Boden, 2018b).

The question of how AI will affect human creativity

and cultural evolution becomes increasingly relevant

as technology advances.

Innovations like AI, the Internet of Things,

and big data analytics have opened unprecedented

opportunities but have also raised critical ethical

concerns regarding privacy, equity, and societal

impacts (O’Neil, 2016). Bronowski's

interdisciplinary approach—melding science,

philosophy, and the arts—provides a valuable lens for

addressing these challenges. His assertion that

science is not merely a mechanism but an integral part

of human culture resonates with current debates about

the social responsibilities of technology(Bronowski,

1973)

In the context of ethical dilemmas, such as

biases in AI algorithms, mass surveillance, and the

erosion of privacy, Bronowski’s advocacy for

integrating ethical considerations into technological

innovation remains highly pertinent. For instance, the

widespread deployment of facial recognition

technology raises questions about fairness and

individual autonomy, illustrating the moral

responsibility of innovators to balance progress with

human rights.

Bronowski also emphasizes the importance of

understanding the long-term consequences of

scientific and technological innovation. In the digital

age, this understanding becomes even more critical.

Kitchin (2021) discusses the importance of data ethics

in theory, practice, and policy, an issue that may have

been unimaginable in Bronowski's time but is highly

relevant to his thoughts on scientific responsibility

(Kitchin, 2021). How we manage and use data on a

large scale without violating individual privacy or

creating systemic injustice is a question that requires

an interdisciplinary approach such as the one in.

Furthermore, Bronowski's vision of the human future

has interesting resonances with contemporary

futuristic thinking. (Kurzweil, 2005) and (Tegmark,

2017) discuss the possibility of a technological

singularity and its implications for the future of

humanity. Although these concepts were not yet fully

formed in Bronowski's time, his views on the

potential and risks of technological progress provide

a useful framework for understanding and evaluating

these predictions.

However, it is important to remember that

Bronowski did not only focus on the technological

and scientific aspects of human progress. He also

emphasizes the importance of human values, ethics,

and aesthetics in the development of civilization. In

the context of digital technology, this reminds us of

the importance of retaining the elements that make us

human in the midst of increasingly powerful

digitalization.

This article will explore how Bronowski's

thinking can help us understand and address the

ethical challenges posed by digital technology. How

can we ensure that AI developments do not threaten

individual autonomy and privacy? How can we utilize

big data for social good without creating “weapons of

mathematical destruction” as feared by O'Neil

(2016)? And how can we maintain a balance between

technological progress and human values in the era of

“surveillance capitalism” described by Zuboff

(2019)?

By using Bronowski's thinking as a lens

through which to view the development of digital

technologies, we can gain valuable insights into how

to steer technological innovation in line with broader

human aspirations and values. Bronowski's

interdisciplinary approach, combining science,

philosophy, and art, provides a useful model for

understanding and addressing the complexity of the

digital technology challenges we face today.

ICHELS 2024 - The International Conference on Humanities Education, Law, and Social Science

432

2 METHODS

This research adopts a qualitative approach with a

focus on content analysis and conceptual comparison.

This method was chosen to allow for an in-depth

exploration of Jacob Bronowski's thoughts in "The

Ascent of Man" and their relevance to the

development of contemporary digital technology.

Primary data was obtained from Jacob

Bronowski's book "The Ascent of Man" (1973). This

analysis aims to identify and extract key concepts in

Bronowski's thought, especially those related to the

development of science, technology and their

relationship with human values. Secondary data will

be obtained from scholarly journals related to Jacob

Bronowski's thought, articles and publications on the

development of digital technology, books that discuss

the relationship between humanism and technology,

online documents from trusted academic sources, and

relevant previous research.

Data collection techniques consist of

1. Documentation:

• Reading and systematically recording the

main ideas of the book "The Ascent of

Man".

• Collecting and categorizing journal articles

and secondary sources.

• Creation of a coding system to organize the

data.

2. Literature Review:

• Perform a systematic review of relevant

literature

• Create a synthesis matrix to organize findings

from multiple sources

3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

An analysis of Jacob Bronowski's thoughts in the

book "The Ascent of Man" reveals some important

findings regarding their relevance to the development

of digital technology. Bronowski (1973) argues that

human evolution cannot be separated from the

development of knowledge and technology. In his

view, any tool created by humans is an extension of

human power and senses. This understanding

becomes very relevant when we observe the

development of digital technology, which is

increasingly integrated into the lives of modern

people.

In addition, this study found that Bronowski

strongly emphasized the importance of integrating

scientific thinking with human values. As he asserts,

"Science is not a mechanism but human progress, and

not a set of findings but the search for them"

(Bronowski, 1973). This view is even more important

in the digital age, where technology is often

developed without taking human aspects into

account. In his research, Ihde (2009) reinforces this

argument by stating that digital technology should be

understood as an extension of human capabilities, not

as a substitute for human values. (Ihde, 2009)

Another important aspect found in this research is

Bronowski's emphasis on ethical responsibility in

technology development. He clearly states that

knowledge comes with great moral responsibility.

This thought is highly relevant to various ethical

issues that arise in the development of contemporary

digital technologies, such as privacy, artificial

intelligence, and the social impact of digital media.

The main findings and their discussion are presented

below:

1. Evolution of knowledge and digital innovation

Bronowski emphasizes that human progress is not

linear, but rather the result of a series of innovative

leaps in knowledge and technology. Our analysis

shows that this concept is highly relevant to the

current development of digital technologies. For

example, the development of artificial intelligence

(AI) can be seen as a qualitative leap in the way

humans process information and solve problems.

This finding is consistent with (Boden, 2018a)

view of AI and cultural evolution. Just as Bronowski

sees every scientific innovation as part of the human

"ascent," we can understand the development of AI as

a new stage in our cognitive evolution. However, as

(Tegmark, 2017) reminds us, this leap also poses

ethical and existential challenges that need to be

addressed.

2. Integration of Science, Technology, and Human

Values

One of the most striking aspects of Bronowski's

thinking is his emphasis on the integration of science,

technology, and human values. Our analysis shows

that this principle is particularly relevant in dealing

with the ethical dilemmas posed by digital

technologies.

The Relevance of Jacob Bronowski’s Thought in the Ascent of Man to the Development of Digital Technology

433

In the context of big data and surveillance

capitalism, as discussed by (Zuboff, 2019) we see the

importance of integrating technological advances

with ethical considerations. For example, the ability

to collect and analyze data at scale must be balanced

with the protection of individual privacy and

autonomy. This resonates with Bronowski's warning

about the dangers of divorcing scientific progress

from human values.

The Integration of Arts and Sciences in a STEM-

Dominated World Bronowski’s insistence on

blending scientific and artistic creativity is

particularly pertinent in today’s STEM-dominated

educational and professional landscapes. This

integration can encourage innovative problem-

solving and holistic thinking, as seen in the

emergence of STEAM (Science, Technology,

Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) initiatives. For

example, AI-driven tools like DALL·E or ChatGPT

demonstrate how technological advancements

intersect with artistic expression, creating new

opportunities for creativity. These developments

underscore Bronowski’s argument that scientific and

artistic pursuits are not mutually exclusive but are

instead complementary forces driving human

progress.

3. Responsibility of Scientists and Innovators

Bronowski emphasizes the moral responsibility of

scientists in the development and application of their

knowledge. In the digital age, this principle is

increasingly important. Our analysis of AI and big

data ethics cases shows that Bronowski's thinking can

provide valuable guidance.

O'Neil (2016) discusses how, if not carefully

designed, algorithms can reinforce systemic injustice

(O’Neil, 2016). This supports Bronowski's argument

that scientific progress should always consider its

social implications. In this context, the responsibility

of AI developers and data scientists is not limited to

technical aspects, but also includes the social impact

of their innovations.

4. Creativity and Innovation in the Digital Age

Bronowski sees creativity as the essence of human

progress. In the digital context, this concept takes on

a new dimension. Our analysis shows that while AI

can perform complex tasks, human creativity remains

a key factor in innovation.

This is consistent with (Harari, 2015) argument

that in the future, the ability to continuously learn and

innovate will be the most valuable skill. This finding

underscores the importance of maintaining and

developing human creativity as AI advances, a

principle implicit in Bronowski's thinking.

5. Data ethics and digital privacy

Although Bronowski did not directly address the

issue of digital privacy, his principles of scientific

ethics are highly relevant to contemporary debates

about data ethics. (Kitchin, 2021) discusses the

complexities of data ethics in practice and policy, an

issue that resonates with Bronowski's warnings about

the potential misuse of scientific knowledge.

Our analysis shows that Bronowski's holistic

approach, which combines scientific and ethical

considerations, can provide a useful framework for

dealing with data ethics dilemmas. For example,

when designing privacy policies, we need to consider

not only the technical aspects, but also the social and

ethical implications.

6. Future visions and technological singularity

Bronowski's thoughts on the trajectory of human

progress have interesting relevance to the concept of

technological singularity discussed by (Kurzweil,

2005). Although Bronowski did not envision the level

of technological progress we see today, his vision of

the potential and risks of scientific progress provides

a valuable perspective for understanding and

anticipating the implications of the technological

singularity.

The analysis shows that Bronowski's approach,

which emphasizes the balance between technological

progress and human values, can help us navigate the

ethical and existential challenges that may arise from

the technological singularity.

In conclusion, Jacob Bronowski's thoughts in

"The Ascent of Man" have deep and

multidimensional relevance to the development of

contemporary digital technology. His principles on

the integration of science and human values,

scientific responsibility, and creativity as the core of

human progress provide a valuable framework for

addressing the ethical and philosophical challenges of

the digital age. By applying Bronowski's thinking, we

can better steer the development of digital

technologies in line with broader human aspirations

and values.

While Jacob Bronowski’s The Ascent of Man

offers profound insights into the ethical and

philosophical dimensions of scientific progress, it is

essential to recognize the limitations of applying his

mid-20th-century ideas to the complexities of today’s

digital landscape. Written during a period when

technological advancements were centered around

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industrial and early computing innovations,

Bronowski’s work does not directly address the scale,

speed, or scope of contemporary digitalization, such

as the pervasive role of artificial intelligence, big data

analytics, and the Internet of Things. For example,

Bronowski could not have anticipated the emergence

of phenomena like surveillance capitalism (Zuboff,

2019), where personal data is commodified at an

unprecedented scale, raising new ethical challenges.

Similarly, the existential risks associated with

advanced AI systems, including concerns about

algorithmic biases or the potential for autonomous

systems to act beyond human control (Tegmark,

2017), are far removed from the technological context

of Bronowski’s time. These issues require new

frameworks and tools for ethical analysis, extending

beyond the foundational principles Bronowski

articulated.

Furthermore, Bronowski’s focus on the

integration of arts and sciences, while still relevant,

must be adapted to address the dominance of STEM

disciplines in a globalized, digitalized world.

Interdisciplinary collaboration now necessitates not

just an emphasis on ethical responsibility but also an

understanding of cultural diversity and geopolitical

dynamics, which Bronowski’s largely Western-

centric perspective does not fully encompass.

His core principles—ethical responsibility,

interdisciplinary integration, and the human-centered

approach to progress—serve as a foundation that

must be built upon with contemporary theories, such

as Floridi’s (2014) concept of the “infosphere” or

Harari’s (2017) explorations of the future of human

agency in a world dominated by AI. This balanced

perspective not only preserves the relevance of

Bronowski’s insights but also ensures their

applicability to the unique challenges of the digital

age.

Overall, this research shows that Jacob

Bronowski's thought has deep and multidimensional

relevance in the digital age. His principles of

knowledge integration, ethical responsibility, and the

importance of human values in scientific progress

offer valuable guidance in dealing with the complex

challenges posed by digital technologies.

The findings confirm the importance of an

interdisciplinary approach to understanding and

guiding technological development. By adopting

Bronowski's perspective, which balances

technological progress with human values, we can

better steer digital innovation for the benefit of

society as a whole.

4 CONCLUSIONS

This research explored the relevance of Jacob

Bronowski's thought, as presented in his work The

Ascent of Man, to the development of contemporary

digital technologies. Through extensive analysis and

conceptual comparison, several important

conclusions can be drawn:

1. The Evolution of Knowledge: Bronowski's

perspective on human progress as a series of

transformative innovations remains highly

pertinent in the era of the digital revolution.

Technological advancements, such as artificial

intelligence (AI), represent a continuation of the

"ascent" he described, bringing forth significant

opportunities while simultaneously presenting

complex ethical challenges that demand careful

consideration.

2. Integration Across Disciplines: Bronowski's

advocacy for blending science, technology, and

human values offers a critical framework for

navigating the ethical dilemmas posed by

contemporary digital technologies. This

interdisciplinary approach is particularly vital in

addressing pressing concerns such as data

privacy and the broader societal impacts of

technological innovation.

3. Ethical Accountability: Bronowski's emphasis

on the moral obligations of scientists resonates

strongly with the ethical considerations

surrounding modern digital technologies. His

call to evaluate the social and ethical

consequences of innovation provides an

enduring guide for ensuring technology

development aligns with societal needs.

4. Creativity in the Digital Era: Bronowski's belief

in creativity as the driving force behind human

progress holds significant relevance in the age of

AI. As automation increasingly permeates

various domains, fostering and preserving

human creativity becomes essential to ensuring

that technological advancements continue to

enrich human potential and cultural evolution.

5. Data Ethics and Privacy: Bronowski's scientific

ethical principles provide a solid foundation for

addressing today's data ethics and digital privacy

challenges. His holistic approach can help shape

policies and practices that balance technological

progress with the protection of individual rights.

6. Educators: Revamp STEM programs to include

cross-disciplinary collaborations and courses in

ethics, cultural studies, and philosophy to prepare

students for the societal impact of their work.

The Relevance of Jacob Bronowski’s Thought in the Ascent of Man to the Development of Digital Technology

435

7. Technologists: Commit to designing systems that

prioritize user autonomy, fairness, and

inclusivity, ensuring technological

advancements contribute positively to society.

8. Anticipating the future: Bronowski's vision of

the trajectory of human progress provides a

valuable perspective for understanding and

anticipating future technological developments,

including the possibility of technological

singularities.

In conclusion, Jacob Bronowski's thoughts in

"The Ascent of Man" have deep and

multidimensional relevance to the development of

contemporary digital technologies. His principles on

the integration of science and human values,

scientific responsibility, and creativity as the core of

human progress provide a valuable framework for

addressing the ethical and philosophical challenges of

the digital age. By applying Bronowski's thinking, we

can better steer the development of digital

technologies in line with broader human aspirations

and values.

This research also paves the way for further

exploration of how philosophical thinking from

earlier eras can provide insights for dealing with

contemporary technological challenges. It

underscores the value of an ongoing dialogue

between humanistic thought and technological

progress in shaping a more ethical and humane

future.We hope you find the information in this

template useful in the preparation of your submission.

REFERENCES

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Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.

Boden, M. A. (2018b). Artificial Intelligence and

Natural Man (3rd ed.). Routledge.

Bronowski, J. (1973). The Ascent of Man. British

Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

Harari, Y. N. (2015). Homo Deus: A Brief History of

Tomorrow. Harvill Secker.

Ihde, D. (2009). Postphenomenology and

Technoscience: The Peking University

Lectures. Suny Press.

Kitchin, R. (2021). Data Ethics in Theory, Practice

and Policy. Transactions of the Institute of

British GeographersEarly View, 157.

Kurzweil, R. (2005). The Singularity Is Near: When

Humans Transcend Biology. Viking Books.

Luciano Floridi. (2014). The Fourth Revolution: How

the Infosphere is Reshaping Human Reality .

Oxford University Press.

O’Neil, C. (2016). Weapons of math destruction:

How big data increases inequality and

threatens democracy. Crown Publishing

Group.

Tegmark, M. (2017). Life 3.0: Being Human in the

Age of Artificial Intelligence. Alfred A. Knopf.

Zuboff, S. (2019). The Age of Surveillance

Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at

the New Frontier of Power. Public Affairs.

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