You might get a better response by saying something constructive, such as how Whitney could have predicted its effect on society given what was known at the time. Because it’s easy to want to have an ethical framework that results in good outcomes for everyone, but predicting outcomes is very hard.
Predicting outcomes is one thing. Putting the two questions: "Should I do something?" and "Can I do something?" on equal footing is another. Maybe don't conflate wishful thinking and foresight. And as far as the statement of a fact being constructive or nonconstructive, maybe don't conflate those things either.
I dont blame James Watt for the exploitation during the Industrial revolution.
Deciding if you're a part of the problem or part of the solution can be done without thinking about blame in any sort of absolute terms. Also, the steam engine and cotton gin are two completely different inventions.