Speculating on Future Immoral Practices: A Thought Experiment

It is challenging to predict what might be considered immoral in a century's time, but I can offer insights based on trends and historical patterns. It is important to state that these speculations are mine alone and should not be taken as endorsements or predictions about specific outcomes.

Religion

The decline of organized religion, a trend witnessed in many parts of the world, could accelerate in the coming decades, possibly making belief in organized religions seem immoral in the eyes of a future society. Historical atrocities committed in the name of religion suggest that a lack of faith might be seen as an aberration. However, this process would likely take longer than a century and is contingent on global shifts in cultural and societal values.

Economic Materialism

As environmental concerns grow and the limits of current economic practices are questioned, there could be a backlash against materialism. This trend may already be visible with the rise of social media influencers and the continued growth of materialistic cultures in developing nations. The rise of sustainable and ethical economic practices might challenge the prevailing focus on wealth accumulation. However, given the current global landscape, this drastic shift is a cautious possibility rather than a likely one within a hundred years.

Abortion Without Good Reason

The scenario of declaring abortion without a good reason immoral could occur if sub-replacement fertility rates continue in developed nations. With a declining birth rate, a future society might view the reproductive decision as a communal responsibility rather than a personal choice. While policies to encourage higher birth rates have already been attempted, the eventual acceptance of this viewpoint would require significant cultural shifts and time. Technological advancements, such as lab-grown fetuses and indefinite lifespan technologies, could also play a role in obviating this issue.

Private Ownership of Intellectual Property

The idea of private ownership of intellectual property could become immoral if economic materialism itself is seen as unethical. A sustainable future might prioritize shared knowledge and collaborative innovation, where creations are freely used and improved upon for the benefit of all. This shift would mean that intellectual property would not confer significant material wealth to its creators, aligning with a broader ethos of communal sharing and ethical use.

Human Driving

The rise of automated transport, particularly if it significantly enhances road safety, could make human driving seem immoral. The risk to public safety and the potential for hasty or distracted driving could compel society to see manual driving as negligent. Military and off-road uses might still require human drivers, but the everyday road would likely be reserved for automated vehicles. The development of remote hacking capabilities for these vehicles could further accelerate this trend.

Conclusion

These speculations are informed by current trends and historical patterns, but they do not ensure that these outcomes will necessarily unfold. The future is shaped by numerous variables and unpredictable events, yet it is fascinating to contemplate what might be considered immoral in a century's time.