University of Twente offering a free online course on Philosophy of Technology and Design: shaping the relations between humans and technologies. 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 overall objective of this course is to learn about the impact of technology on society. Explore the philosophy of technology and mediation theory, focused on design. The course will start on May 29, 2017.
Course At Glance
Length: 3 weeks
Effort: 4 hours/week
Subject: Philosophy of Technology and Design
Institution: University of Twente and Future learn
Languages: English
Price: Free
Certificate Available: Yes
Session: Course starts on May 29, 2017
Providers’ Details
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.
About This Course
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.
Why Take This Course?
This is a free online course. This MOOC will be offered with Video Transcripts in English. Applicants can get a verified certificate.
Learning Outcomes
- 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.
Requirements
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.
Instructors
Peter-Paul Verbeek
He is professor of Philosophy of Technology and co-director of the DesignLab at the University of Twente. My research focuses on the philosophy of human-technology relations, ethics, and design.
Roos de Jong
MSc student Philosophy of Science, Technology and Society
How To Join This Course
- Go to the course website link
- Sign Up At FutureLearn
- Select a course and Join
- Once a course has started, applicant will be able to access the course material
- After the start date, students will be able to access the course by following the Go To Course link on My Courses page.
- Applicants can buy, to show that they have completed a FutureLearn course.
- On some FutureLearn courses, learners will be able to pay to take an exam to qualify for a Statement of Attainment. (These are university-branded, printed certificates that provide proof of learning on the course topic(s)).