New technologies frequently alter the contours of everyday life and can even affect our understanding of what it means to be human. In this class, we will examine the ethical challenges posed by a range of these technologies: from artificial intelligence and algorithmic curation to gene-editing and biohacking and beyond. Our approach will draw on - and introduce students to - a variety of normative frameworks concerning what individuals and societies ought to do, and how technology can modify our understanding of human life and what makes it go well. The focus of this course is primarily theoretical in nature, and its readings draw from a variety of disciplines beyond philosophy, like history, sociology, science and technology studies, computer science, and the arts. Students will have the opportunity to propose themes and technologies to explore both in class and through independent research. There are no prerequisites for this course.
4-5 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit · GER: WAY-ER
New technologies frequently alter the contours of everyday life and can even affect our understanding of what it means to be human. In this class, we will examine the ethical challenges posed by a range of these technologies: from artificial intelligence and algorithmic curation to gene-editing and biohacking and beyond. Our approach will draw on - and introduce students to - a variety of normative frameworks concerning what individuals and societies ought to do, and how technology can modify our understanding of human life and what makes it go well. The focus of this course is primarily theoretical in nature, and its readings draw from a variety of disciplines beyond philosophy, like history, sociology, science and technology studies, computer science, and the arts. Students will have the opportunity to propose themes and technologies to explore both in class and through independent research. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Offered in Spring 2027 at Stanford University.