MIT
271b: Technology and Human Values
The
purpose of this course is to:
This
course examines the different ways in which technology, but especially information
technology, may be valuable. Using some
basic philosophical distinctions among different types of valuation — such as
freedom, beauty, knowledge, and morality — how is technology in its various
forms to be assessed? The value of freedom
seems most central to technology, and an examination of the effects of technology
on freedom is central to this course. We will look at the different ways in which
technology encourages and discourages the fulfillment of this value, and a range
of other human values distinguished by philosophers. Along the way we will address the affect of
technologies on racial, gender, and sexual inequities, the environment, and
the value of human life itself.
Calendar
Description:
This
course examines how technologies can be evaluated in terms of morality, justice,
beauty and truth. For instance, computers and television bring people information
and beautiful images, and biotechnology limits our aches and pains. Yet technology
can also work against things we value, such as the environment and some forms
of freedom.
Course
Objectives:
Students
who take this course will:
Sample Content:
1.
ONTOLOGY:
Technology, Nature & Freedom (4 weeks)
(a)
Technology & Nature
(b)
Technology & Freedom
2. BEAUTY:
Technological Aesthetics (2 weeks)
3. KNOWLEDGE
(2 weeks)
(a)
Can Computers Think?
(b)
Learning With Technology
4.
ETHICS
& JUSTICE (5 weeks)
(a)
Technological Responsibility
(b)
Biotechnology, Human
Reproduction & Sexuality
Textbooks:
Morton E. Winston and Ralph D. Edelbach, eds. Society, Ethics and Technology.
Belmont, California: Wadsworth, 2000.
David Gelernter. Machine Beauty:
Elegance and the Heart of Technology. New York: Basic Books, 1998.
Supplementary
readings on reserve at the D.B. Weldon Library.
Assignments:
Test 1: ontology — nature & freedom | 20% |
Test 2: beauty & knowledge | 20% |
Term paper (5-7pp. / 1300-2000 words) | 30% |
Test 3 (during April examination period): ethics & justice | 30% |
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