This course will explore changing notions of truth in a world in which technology, global risks, and societal developments are blurring the boundaries of humanity and boring through traditional notions of nation states, institutions, and human identity. We will ask one over-arching question: Does truth matter anymore? If so, why and how? If not, why not? Either way, how does truth relate to ethical decision-making by individuals and institutions and to an ethical society? How does truth relate to a life well lived? Six themes will organize our exploration of more specific topics: science and subjectivity; identity; memory; AI; spirituality and religion; imagination; and truth and a life well-lived. Examples of topics to be explored include, among others: truth and AI/Gen AI; DNA testing, crypto, and other technologies; University challenges today (free speech, DEI, and beyond); gender and racial identity; social media "truth modifiers." The course will offer a parallel journey in exploring your personal views on truth and truth and a life well-lived. We will consider how we determine and verify the truth; how we "do" truth; the role of truth in ethical decision-making; the importance of truth to effective ethical policy; and the relationship of the truth to a life well lived. An analytically rigorous short final paper in lieu of exam. This three-credit seminar fulfills the University WAYS-Ethics requirement and is open to undergraduate and graduate students; undergraduates will not be at a disadvantage. Everyone will be challenged. Distinguished Career Institute Fellows are welcome and should contact Dr. Susan Liautaud directly at susanliautaud@googlemail.com.
3 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit
This course will explore changing notions of truth in a world in which technology, global risks, and societal developments are blurring the boundaries of humanity and boring through traditional notions of nation states, institutions, and human identity. We will ask one over-arching question: Does truth matter anymore? If so, why and how? If not, why not? Either way, how does truth relate to ethical decision-making by individuals and institutions and to an ethical society? How does truth relate to a life well lived? Six themes will organize our exploration of more specific topics: science and subjectivity; identity; memory; AI; spirituality and religion; imagination; and truth and a life well-lived. Examples of topics to be explored include, among others: truth and AI/Gen AI; DNA testing, crypto, and other technologies; University challenges today (free speech, DEI, and beyond); gender and racial identity; social media "truth modifiers." The course will offer a parallel journey in exploring your personal views on truth and truth and a life well-lived. We will consider how we determine and verify the truth; how we "do" truth; the role of truth in ethical decision-making; the importance of truth to effective ethical policy; and the relationship of the truth to a life well lived. An analytically rigorous short final paper in lieu of exam. This three-credit seminar fulfills the University WAYS-Ethics requirement and is open to undergraduate and graduate students; undergraduates will not be at a disadvantage. Everyone will be challenged. Distinguished Career Institute Fellows are welcome and should contact Dr. Susan Liautaud directly at susanliautaud@googlemail.com.
Offered in Winter 2026 at Stanford University.