Myth, Militarism, and Modern Technology: The Ethics of Appropriation
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Science & Technology (Defence Technology like Varunastra, Autonomous Weapons, Space Debris, Light Pollution); Current Events.
Mains:
General Studies Paper 3 (Security): "Indigenization of technology"; "Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics"; "Role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges"; "Basics of cyber security" (related to surveillance).
General Studies Paper 4 (Ethics): "Ethics and Human Interface"; "Ethical concerns and dilemmas in public and private institutions" (Corporate Ethics); "Ethics in international relations and funding" (related to defence contractors).
Essay: Topics related to Technology, Ethics, Power, and Society.
Key Highlights from the News
The article discusses the paradox of technology and defense companies naming their products after characters and objects from J.R.R. Tolkien's literature (e.g., 'The Lord of the Rings').
Tolkien was a strong opponent of mechanised warfare and industrialisation.
Examples:
Palantir: A data surveillance company. (In Tolkien's work, it is a seeing stone that offers foresight but can be influenced by dark forces).
Anduril: A company that builds autonomous surveillance and drone systems. (In the work, it is the sword of a hero).
Earendil-1: A satellite aiming to reflect sunlight from space (This may cause light pollution and orbital debris).
These companies use these names to justify their "coercive technologies" by giving them the "moral grandeur" of an epic struggle.
This is a modern trend, also seen in India. For example, the DRDO-developed torpedo is named "Varunastra".
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