The term "Scandinavia" traditionally includes the so-called Scandinavian countries Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Sometimes "Scandinavia" is given a broader definition that also covers the two remaining "Nordic" countries Finland and Iceland. The Scandinavian and Nordic countries are highly industrialized countries that have attempted to combine economic development with social welfare and democratic planning. Technological change has been considered in relation to competing values and interests, and ethics has played a role in this context.

The development of technology and ethics in Scandinavian and Nordic countries is characterised by some general trends that are very similar to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland. Traditionally there has been a lot of scientific and cultural exchange among these countries and therefore one finds similar theoretical trends and movements among the Nordic countries. In particular can be mentioned positivistic and instrumental positions, Marxistic postions, positions from...