Technology and Human Values: A Philosophical Inquiry
( 25 Modules )
Module #1 Introduction to Technology and Human Values Overview of the course, exploring the intersection of technology and human values, and the importance of philosophical inquiry in this area.
Module #2 The Nature of Technology Examining the concept of technology, its definition, and its role in shaping human society and experience.
Module #3 Historical Perspectives on Technology and Values Survey of how various philosophers and thinkers throughout history have understood the relationship between technology and human values.
Module #4 Theories of Value and Technology Introduction to key theories and frameworks for understanding the relationship between technology and human values, including utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics.
Module #5 The Value of Efficiency and Speed Examining the values of efficiency and speed in the context of technological progress, including the benefits and drawbacks of these values.
Module #6 The Value of Progress and Innovation Investigating the value of progress and innovation in technological development, including the implications for human well-being and the environment.
Module #7 The Ethics of Emerging Technologies Case studies in the ethics of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and nanotechnology.
Module #8 Surveillance and Privacy in the Digital Age Exploring the tension between individual privacy and the benefits of surveillance in the context of digital technologies.
Module #9 The Impact of Technology on Human Relationships Investigating the effects of technology on human relationships, including the rise of social media and online communication.
Module #10 The Value of Human Labor and Automation Examining the implications of automation on human labor and the value of work in a technological society.
Module #11 The Digital Divide and Technological Inequality Analyzing the issue of technological inequality and the digital divide, including the social and economic implications.
Module #12 Technology and the Environment Investigating the environmental impact of technology, including the challenges and opportunities of sustainable technological development.
Module #13 Responsibility and Accountability in Technological Development Exploring the responsibilities of individuals, organizations, and governments in the development and deployment of technologies.
Module #14 The Role of Government and Policy in Shaping Technology Examining the role of government and policy in shaping technological development, including the challenges of regulating emerging technologies.
Module #15 The Ethics of Human Enhancement Investigating the ethical implications of human enhancement technologies, including the boundaries between therapy and enhancement.
Module #16 The Value of Human Identity in a Technological Age Exploring the impact of technology on human identity, including the implications for personal autonomy and authenticity.
Module #17 Technology and the Human Experience of Embodiment Investigating the relationship between technology and the human experience of embodiment, including the implications for disability and ability.
Module #18 The Future of Work and Leisure in a Post-Scarcity Economy Examining the potential implications of technological advancements on the future of work and leisure in a post-scarcity economy.
Module #19 The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems Investigating the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, including the challenges of accountability and control.
Module #20 The Value of Human Creativity in a Technological Society Exploring the impact of technology on human creativity, including the implications for art, music, and literature.
Module #21 Technology and the Human Experience of Death and Mortality Investigating the relationship between technology and the human experience of death and mortality, including the implications for end-of-life care and bereavement.
Module #22 The Ethics of Virtual Reality and Immersive Technologies Examining the ethical implications of virtual reality and immersive technologies, including the challenges of simulation and deception.
Module #23 Technology and the Human Experience of Space and Place Investigating the impact of technology on the human experience of space and place, including the implications for architecture and urban planning.
Module #24 The Value of Human Wisdom in a Technological Age Exploring the relationship between technology and human wisdom, including the implications for education and personal growth.
Module #25 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Technology and Human Values: A Philosophical Inquiry career
