| CODE | PHI3047 | ||||||
| TITLE | Philosophy and Technology | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Philosophy | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit will explore the causal forces and the effects of technology on human society. The unit will address questions related to the nature of technology and how it changes human perceptions on life and how technology changes the foundations and the characteristics of the relation between humanity and the world. The study-unit will offer an overview of the general theories of philosophy of mind, and look into how these have been utilised as the basis for proposing and developing a concept of artificial intelligence. Moreover, the course content will delve into theoretical and practical developments of artificial intelligence and whether this can ever achieve the same levels as human intelligence. Topics will also include the debate on technology (Techno-optimism (Futurists) vs Anti-Technolog (Luddites)), Concepts of Mind leading to A.I and the Philosophy of A.I., Bio-technologies and Genetic Research, The Internet and New Media incl. social media and blockchain,Information, Data Collection and Monetisation of Data, technology and economic and social policy, and ethical considerations concerning privacy and data rights. Study-Unit Aims: The study-unit aims to invite students to explore philosophical debates related to technology and appraise the technology driven changes happening in contemporary society. It will also enable students to evaluate critically the ethical issues that arise from technological innovation and adoption. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - identify issues that arise with the development and implementation of technological advances; - examine the main philosophical positions and attitudes towards technology; - illustrate the main theories of mind and how these inform the debate in AI; - evaluate the ethical and social issues that arise from technological advances and their implementation; - analyse the rights and duties of technological innovators and users. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - assess the social and ethical effects of new technologies on the individual and society; - critically evaluate the opportunities and threats posed by the development of new media and new technologies; - apply philosophical theories and positions to emerging technologies; - evaluate the debates that surround different technological fields like cyberspace, biotechnologies, and AI. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Primary Texts: - Chalmers, David J. Philosophy of Mind : Classical and Contemporary Readings. Oxford U.P., 2002. Print. - Heil, John. Philosophy of Mind : A Contemporary Introduction. 2nd ed. Routledge, 2004. Print. Routledge Contemporary Introductions to Philosophy. - Roden, David. Posthuman Life : Philosophy at the Edge of the Human. Routledge, 2015. Print. Secondary Texts: - Harris, Theresa L, Jessica M Wyndham, Susan Bull, and Michael Parker. "Data Rights and Responsibilities: A Human Rights Perspective on Data Sharing." Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics 10.3 (2015): 334-37. Web. - Scharff, Robert C., and Val Dusek. Philosophy of Technology : The Technological Condition : An Anthology. 2014. Print. Blackwell Philosophy Anthologie. - Turing, A.M. Computing Machinery and Intelligence. Mind 49: 433-460. 1950. Web. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||
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| LECTURER/S | Francois Zammit |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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