Business Adm and Social Science

IEI304 Etichs and Philosophy of Technology 7.5 ECTS credits

DENNA SIDA FINNS OCKSÅ PÅ SVENSKA

General information about studying at Luleå University
TIMEPERIOD: Q I

LANGUAGE: English

EXAMINER
Donald de Raadt Prof

PREREQUISITES
General competence

COURSE AIM
The aim of the course is to give the student - insight in ethical and normative questions concerning technology in general as discussed in contemporary philosophy of technology - the abiliy to read, in a critical way, a philosophical text and clearly express one's own ideas orally as well as in a written paper

CONTENTS
Problems concerning ethics of technology are widely discussed in contemporary philosophy of technology. Broadly speaking one may distinguish two perspectives in this discussion, namely an "engineering philosophy of technology" (EPT) and a "humanities philosophy of technology" (HPT). These perspectives are related to different historical traditions in the philosophy of technology. Both have their weak and strong points. While EPT is firmly rooted in the real world of technology, HPT sometimes talks in a shallow way about technology. However, once people who are trained in engineering start reflecting on the nature and meaning of technology they are no longer doing technology but are engaged in a kind of philosophy. Aiming to link engineering and humanity disciplines in a interdisciplinary approach of technology this course will discuss the broad subject ethics and technology both from a HPT (part 1) and an EPT (part 2) perspective. Part 1 will give a profile of modern culture and will show the needs for and possibilities of an etihcs for technology. Attention will be focused on two main characteristics of our time: the dominance of technology and the plurality of life styles and moral frameworks. Part 2 will give insight in normative issues coming from technology by analysing the real world of technology, the structure of modern technology and its transforming effects on human life.

TEACHING
Teaching will take the form of lectures and tutorials.

EXAMINATION
A paper about a specific topic and a final examination. During the tutorials the student has to present a set-up of his paper. After consent of the tutor the student has to finish the paper before the date of the final examination. Grades awarded: Fail, Pass and Pass with Distinction
COURSE GRADE SCALE: U, G, VG

ITEMS AND CREDITS 
Final exam                                                  	4.5 ECTS
Research Paper                                              	3.0 ECTS

COURSE LITERATURE
Sample of articles collected by the department IES/isv Additional literature will be provided during the course

REMARKS
Last modified 97-03-05
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