Course Description
Technology in its broadest human context, with emphasis on the mutual influence between means and ends and the impact of technology on shaping the beliefs and attitudes of a civilization. Includes alternative assessments of technology and illustrates with specific crucial issues of our time.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Longer term-paper, possibly an in-class presentation, and higher standards for all assigned work.
Athena Title
Philosophy of Technology
Prerequisite
Any 3000-level PHIL course or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will be expected to understand the main ideas and arguments of the authors covered in the course, and they will be expected to be able to interpret and to evaluate these ideas and arguments. Communicating effectively through writing and speech, relevant use of the computer, and critical thinking are all stressed. During the course the student should be improving in each of these skill areas.
Topical Outline
This course is a study of such topics as: I. The nature of human technology II. Non-human tool use III. Technocracy and its effects on social and political values IV. Technology and consumerism V. The ethical implications of biotechnology and advanced reproductive technologies VI. The social effects of information technology
Syllabus