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PHILOSOPHIES OF THE DIGITAL AGE

Module code: PH215B
Credits: 5
Semester: 2
Department: PHILOSOPHY
International:

	Overview
	This module offers an introduction to Applied Philosophy - the application of philosophical thought to the modern world by analysing the Digital Age into which we are moving. We will examine philosophical perspectives regarding the relationship between digital technologies, people and society. We will study concepts such as the ‘fourth industrial revolution’, technological determinism, systems philosophy, and digital alienation. We will use Philosophy of Law to understand the difficulties of regulating online activities in a global setting. We will investigate the concepts of privacy and autonomy to understand the impact of modern surveillance technologies. Artificial Intelligence is increasingly affecting our lives, so we will examine ‘algorithmic justice’ and human freedom. The course will be as up-to-date as possible, frequently considering issues as they arise in the press, seeking to understand them from a philosophical perspective. Philosophers of all ages have something to offer our understanding of digital technology The course will use insights from philosophers throughout history to illuminate current issues, including Aristotle, Aquinas, Kant, Bourdieu and Marx. By the end of this course you will have a deep understanding of today’s controversies surrounding digital technology and the path into the future.

Overview

This module offers an introduction to Applied Philosophy - the application of philosophical thought to the modern world by analysing the Digital Age into which we are moving. We will examine philosophical perspectives regarding the relationship between digital technologies, people and society. We will study concepts such as the ‘fourth industrial revolution’, technological determinism, systems philosophy, and digital alienation. We will use Philosophy of Law to understand the difficulties of regulating online activities in a global setting. We will investigate the concepts of privacy and autonomy to understand the impact of modern surveillance technologies. Artificial Intelligence is increasingly affecting our lives, so we will examine ‘algorithmic justice’ and human freedom. The course will be as up-to-date as possible, frequently considering issues as they arise in the press, seeking to understand them from a philosophical perspective. Philosophers of all ages have something to offer our understanding of digital technology The course will use insights from philosophers throughout history to illuminate current issues, including Aristotle, Aquinas, Kant, Bourdieu and Marx. By the end of this course you will have a deep understanding of today’s controversies surrounding digital technology and the path into the future.

	Learning Outcomes
	On successful completion of the module, students should be able to: identify major issues of moral, legal and technological concern regarding the rise of the digital age; explain important concepts such as algorithmic justice, digital alienation and technological determinism; outline the main philosophical perspectives held by technologists and their critics and identify their sources in philosophical literature; compare and evaluate competing philosophical perspectives and arguments regarding specific technologies or patterns of use; explain the implications of particular perspectives for current and emerging digital technologies; analyse conceptual models serving as premises for different philosophical perspectives; contextualise philosophical issues of the digital age within the discipline of philosophy.

Learning Outcomes

Teaching & Learning methods

Assessment

	Autumn Supplementals/Resits
	Are supplemental/resit registrations permitted? Yes 2 essay assignments, worth 50% each. Is Supplemental Continuous Assessment registration permitted? Yes Is Supplemental Continuous Assessment capped? Yes

Timetable

Courses / Module

PHILOSOPHIES OF THE DIGITAL AGE

Semester 1

Semester 2