Online Course: Philosophy of Technology and Design – University of Twente
University of Twente, Future Learn, Mentoring, Fall 2017 and Spring 2018
In collaboration with: Prof. Peter-Paul Verbeek (University of Twente), and Roos de Jong (University of Twente).
I have been a mentor of the online course “Philosophy of Technology and Design: Shaping the Relations Between Humans and Technologies“. This is a MOOC (massive open online course), which is an online course aimed at unlimited participation and has open access via the web on FutureLearn. We have so far run this course twice and have plans to continue in the future.
Some more information from the course website:
Learn about the impact of technology on society. Explore the philosophy of technology and mediation theory, focused on design.
This course has been created for anyone interested in the relations between technology and society, and in particular for people working or studying in philosophy, engineering, design, social science and policy. The course might be specifically relevant to those interested in what philosophical analysis can contribute to the practice of design, engineering, and policy-making.
Understanding and designing the relations between technology and society.
In every aspect of our lives we make use of all kinds of technologies. Technologies can anticipate needs or solve problems, and they can extend or enhance human capacities and activities. Technologies have made life easier, but also complicated our world. In this course you will get acquainted with some key approaches in philosophy of technology and design. The course focuses on the relations between humans and technologies. You will learn how philosophy can help us understand the social implications of technologies. And you will find out how to apply these insights in the practice of design.
Topics covered:
Introduction into some classical thinkers in philosophy of technology.
Reflecting on the power of technology and if humans are still in control.
Learning about the philosophical approach of technological mediation.
Applying the ethical dimension of technology to the design process.
By the end of the course, students will be able to…
Evaluate some classical thinkers in philosophy of technology.
Reflect on the power of technology: are humans still in control?
Explore the contemporary philosophical approach of technological mediation.
Engage in case studies to get insights in the impact of technology on society and human life.
Debate the ethical dimension of technology and apply this to design.
Discuss the ethical limits of designing technologies that influence our behaviour.