PHIL 259Philosophy of Technology

This course is an opportunity for students to critically reflect on the nature of technology, how we use it, and how it transforms us cognitively, socially, and culturally. Students will look at philosophical contributions to the study of technology from the ancient Greeks to the present day, with a special focus on whether technology is merely instrumental for our ends or if it can determine social events all on its own. Students will work individually and collaboratively to become better reasoners, writers, and communicators, as they grapple with some of the following questions: Is technology changing what it means to be human? Is technological change inherently progressive or can it be regressive? What is the difference between nature and technology? How does technology interact with our conceptions of who we are, especially as regards race, gender, class, and ability?