A 21st century ethical debate: Pursuing perspectives on ambient intelligence

Abstract

This paper takes a broad perspective on ambient, intelligent technologies in the context of contemporary European society at the turn of the 21 st century. The underlying ideas and expectations of ambient intelligence in a period when Europe focuses progressively on the various social, economic, and ethical challenges facing the Information Society are discussed. The use of information and communication technologies in different organizational and economic settings are explored, with an illustrative focus on eHealth. It is particularly argued that more space, effort and facilities need to be created for a public social and ethical debate among European's citizens with regard to information and communication technologies development. © 2006 International Federation for Information Processing.