Course Information
Honors College Catalog Description
What is truly good, and how does technology help or hinder its realization? To address the first part of this question, we will review theories of value, both non-normative and normative.Then we will apply that knowledge to read and discuss arguments for and against aggressive technological development as we seek answers to the second part of the question. Based on our readings and discussions, each student will research, write, and present a principled critique of technology.
2 credits (2 hours of discussion per week)
Meeting Times and Location
W 1400-1550
Instructor: Dr. Ken Funk
E-mail: funkk@engr.orst.edu Phone: 541-737-2357 Office: Rogers 212 Office Hours: TR 1300-1450,
when the door is open,
or by appointment
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing this course, you should be able to:
- clearly and unambiguously define the term "technology" in its several senses;
- define "value", summarize the major concepts of axiology, describe two or more normative theories of value, and state the importance of axiology to critical discourse, especially that regarding technology;
- critically examine pro and con arguments concerning technology; and
- clearly articulate a personal, principled critique of technology.
Coursework
Readings
We will read and discuss the following (see Schedule).
- Mead, Hunter. "Ethics: What Shall We Do Meanwhile?" and "Ethics: But What Is the Highest Good?" In Types and Problem of Philosophy, 241-288. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 1946.
- Kurzweil, Ray. The Singularity Is Near. New York: Penguin Viking, 2005.
- Joy, Bill, "Why the Future Doesn't Need Us", Wired 8.04 (April 2000), accessed 27 March 2012, http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/8.04/joy.html.
- McKibben, Bill. Enough. New York: Times Books, 2003.
Discussions
Class meetings will be devoted almost exclusively to discussions. I will provide discussion questions for each reading and you should read the material and prepare written answers to the questions before coming to class.
Examination
There will be no examinations.
Critical Essay
You will write an essay addressing some variant of the question, "What is truly good, and how does technology help or hinder its realization?" The essay should be five to 10 pages long, double-spaced. Cite at least six authoritative sources and provide a complete list of references, with full bibliographic information. Any style is acceptable (e.g., MLA, Chicago, APA, etc.), but be accurate and consistent. Your essay is due at the time of the "final exam" and during that period you will give an oral summary of your essay and respond to questions.
Grading
This is a pass/non-pass (P/N) course. To pass this course, you must attend class meetings, participate regularly and substantively in class discussions, and submit an essay meeting the above requirements. One unexcused absence is permissible. Any additional absence will be excused only if it is due to factors beyond your control and you take timely action to inform me of the need.
Disabilities Information
Accommodations are collaborative efforts between students, faculty and Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). Students with accommodations approved through SSD are responsible for contacting the faculty member in charge of the course prior to or during the first week of the term to discuss accommodations. Students who believe they are eligible for accommodations but who have not yet obtained approval through SSD should contact SSD immediately at 737-4098.
Academic Honesty
In this course, you will naturally be held to high standards of academic honesty, and any dishonest acts will be dealt with firmly. The following is adapted from the OSU Student Conduct Regulations website. For further information, please refer to http://oregonstate.edu/admin/stucon/regs.htm.
Academic or Scholarly Dishonesty is defined as an act of deception in which a Student seeks to claim credit for the work or effort of another person, or uses unauthorized materials or fabricated information in any academic work or research, either through the Student's own efforts or the efforts of another. It includes:
- CHEATING - use or attempted use of unauthorized materials, information or study aids, or an act of deceit by which a Student attempts to misrepresent mastery of academic effort or information. This includes but is not limited to unauthorized copying or collaboration on a test or assignment, using prohibited materials and texts, any misuse of an electronic device, or using any deceptive means to gain academic credit.
- FABRICATION - falsification or invention of any information including but not limited to falsifying research, inventing or exaggerating data, or listing incorrect or fictitious references.
- ASSISTING - helping another commit an act of academic dishonesty. This includes but is not limited to paying or bribing someone to acquire a test or assignment, changing someone's grades or academic records, taking a test/doing an assignment for someone else by any means, including misuse of an electronic device. It is a violation of Oregon state law to create and offer to sell part or all of an educational assignment to another person.
- TAMPERING - altering or interfering with evaluation instruments or documents.
- PLAGIARISM - representing the words or ideas of another person or presenting someone else's words, ideas, artistry or data as one's own, or using one's own previously submitted work. Plagiarism includes but is not limited to copying another person's work (including unpublished material) without appropriate referencing, presenting someone else's opinions and theories as one's own, or working jointly on a project and then submitting it as one's own.
Any acts of academic dishonesty in this course will be handled initially by the University Honors College. Any such matters not quickly resolved will also be referred to the Student Conduct Coordinator for action under Oregon Revised Statute 351.070.
Schedule
Subject to change, so check this page regularly.
Meeting |
Reading and Discussion |
| Wed 2 Apr | Introduction |
| Wed 9 Apr | Mead
|
| Wed 16 Apr | Kurzweil
|
| Wed 23 Apr | Kurzweil
|
Wed 30 Apr |
Kurzweil
|
| Wed 7 May | Kurzweil
|
| Wed 14 May | Kurzweil and Joy
|
| Wed 21 May | McKibben
|
| Wed 28 May | McKibben
|
| Wed 4 Jun | McKibben and Kurzweil
|
| Tue 10 Jun (finals week) |
Essays due, Student Presentations 1800-1950 |
Resources
This section provides links to course resources, as they become available.
Last update: 21 April2014