How 'Silicon Valley' Used a Masturbating Monkey to Explore the Complexities of Morality and Technology

By Vivian Kane | TV | May 11, 2015 |

By Vivian Kane | TV | May 11, 2015 |

Last night’s Silicon Valley did that thing it does so well: discuss complex issues in science and technology by way of talking about penises and/or bodily waste.

Meet Kiko.

Kiko lost his arms to a land mine explosion in Nicaragua before being adopted by Gavin Belson’s scientists. Led by Davis Bannerchek (the never not creepy Patrick Fischler), the team has developed a nonsurgical magnet and brain sensor-powered prosthetic arm.

This is clearly a technological wonder. However… take a moment to think about what you would expect a monkey to do with this new miracle arm.

What’s the VERY first thing?

Yup.

And sure, we get it, Bannerchek. Technology isn’t inherently good or evil. Still, it’s hard not to apply our qualitative social judgements to a masturbating monkey. Or a… well, you can guess what the second thing that monkey’s gonna do is, right?

Nothing like some high-tech poop launching.

This has been Silicon Valley Talks Ethics and Moral Judgments In Technological Development Through Penises and Poop.