ética y derechos ante los retos de la técnica y la ciencia

science and technology are essential expressions of human action with deep moral implications. nevertheless, their increasing power during the 20th century and the beginning of 21st century faces us with an unprecedented situation. this work discusses some ideological principles that give legitimacy to the diffusion of the criteria and values of technological rationality throughout our civilization. in addition, some features of current technology that challenge traditional conceptions of ethics are mentioned. following authors like ulrich beck, hans jonas or peter singer, we analyze the need to adopt new ethical views that can answer the challenges ahead -civilization change, sustainable development, bioethics, criteria of responsibility and, finally, democratization of the administration and control of research.