Seminar on (ethical aspects of) the relation between science and society in a digital world

Teacher(s)

Pence Charles;

Language

English

Main themes

The seminar will deal with a theme in the area of the ethics of the relationship between science and society in a digital world, to be determined by its members in relation to research projects in which they are currently involved. Active participation in discussion is strongly encouraged. Professors and researchers from the UCL who are interested in the topic and specialists in the topic from outside the UCL may participate in the seminar.

Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Upon completion of the seminar, the student should be able : - To conduct research into a particular theme in the area of the ethics of the relationship between science and society based on a critical analysis of major works and texts by authors dealing with that theme, as well as on contributions presented within the framework of the seminar; - To write a scientific paper on a precisely delimited topic that is germane to the theme of the seminar ; - To participate actively in cooperative research concerning the ethics of the relationship between science and society, especially through active participation in the discussion of contributions made within the framework of the seminar.

Content

The course will consist of several introductory lectures that will provide a framework for our discussions, on the role of values in science, the philosophy of technology, and the right to privacy. We will then consider a variety of specific examples (modified in accord with student interest), such as surveillance and big data, ethics in robotics and AI, research ethics, feminist philosophy of science, biodiversity, climate science, science denial, the relationship between science and capitalism.

Teaching methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

Teaching language: English
Reading knowledge and at least passive comprehension of English will be necessary. Students are free to pose questions and discussion in French if they wish, and some supplementary readings will also be French-language.

Evaluation methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

Assessment will include: (1) the attendance and participation of students in the seminar (if the meetings are in person according to the health regulations), (2) a final research paper, and (3) attendance at and presentation during several workshops at the end of the course.

Bibliography

Toutes les lectures seront distribuées par le site web du Pr. Pence.

Faculty or entity

EFIL