Leading good digital lives

authored by: Johannes Müller-Salo
Abstract: The paper develops a conception of the good life within a digitalized society. Martha Nussbaum’s capability theory offers an adequate normative framework for that purpose as it systematically integrates the analysis of flourishing human lives with a normative theory of justice. The paper argues that a theory of good digital lives should focus on everyday life, on the impact digitalization has on ordinary actions, routines and corresponding practical knowledge. Based on Nussbaum’s work, the paper develops a concept of digital capabilities. Digital capabilities are combined capabilities: To possess a digital capability, an individual must acquire certain skills and abilities (internal capabilities) and needs access to devices and external infrastructures like internet connections. If societies as a whole and everyday environments are digitalized to a certain degree, the possession of specific digital capabilities is a crucial precondition for a flourishing life. The paper likewise analyzes challenges that are connected to digital capabilities. Digital structures are constantly changing. In consequence, digital capabilities are never acquired once and for all, but always precarious and in danger of being lost—with serious consequences for individual everyday lives in digitalized environments. As digital capabilities are crucial for leading a good life, people are entitled to develop and maintain them. They describe demands of justice. Using the examples of filling in an online form and digital education, the paper finally illustrates the size of institutional changes that are necessary to meet these demands.
Organisation(s): Institute of Philosophy
Type: Article
Journal: Ethics and information technology
Volume: 27
No. of pages: 11
ISSN: 1388-1957
Publication date: 03.2025
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Computer Science Applications, Library and Information Sciences
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1007/s10676-024-09815-0 (Access: Open)

BibTeX

@article{16fd6104bce343ce9c4cf1757139892d,
title = "Leading good digital lives",
abstract = "The paper develops a conception of the good life within a digitalized society. Martha Nussbaum{\textquoteright}s capability theory offers an adequate normative framework for that purpose as it systematically integrates the analysis of flourishing human lives with a normative theory of justice. The paper argues that a theory of good digital lives should focus on everyday life, on the impact digitalization has on ordinary actions, routines and corresponding practical knowledge. Based on Nussbaum{\textquoteright}s work, the paper develops a concept of digital capabilities. Digital capabilities are combined capabilities: To possess a digital capability, an individual must acquire certain skills and abilities (internal capabilities) and needs access to devices and external infrastructures like internet connections. If societies as a whole and everyday environments are digitalized to a certain degree, the possession of specific digital capabilities is a crucial precondition for a flourishing life. The paper likewise analyzes challenges that are connected to digital capabilities. Digital structures are constantly changing. In consequence, digital capabilities are never acquired once and for all, but always precarious and in danger of being lost—with serious consequences for individual everyday lives in digitalized environments. As digital capabilities are crucial for leading a good life, people are entitled to develop and maintain them. They describe demands of justice. Using the examples of filling in an online form and digital education, the paper finally illustrates the size of institutional changes that are necessary to meet these demands.",
keywords = "Capabilities approach, Digital capabilities, Digitalization, Good life, Philosophy of the everyday",
author = "Johannes M{\"u}ller-Salo",
note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} The Author(s) 2024.",
year = "2025",
month = mar,
doi = "10.1007/s10676-024-09815-0",
language = "English",
volume = "27",
journal = "Ethics and information technology",
issn = "1388-1957",
publisher = "Springer Netherlands",
number = "1",
}