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This course introduces core philosophical ideas through a selection of accessible science fiction short stories and films. Does a society's technology determine its values and development? Does technology reflect our values or is it neutral? How does the development of new technologies help or harm people? Will ordinary humans be overtaken by artificially intelligent machines? Can an algorithm make ethical decisions? We will be exploring these questions in the philosophy of technology through how technological advances have been presented in science fiction. In addition, we will also be exploring the philosophical issues around how biological systems could be manipulated. What are the prospects and dangers of biohacking? What are the boundaries of what makes us human? How could different life and ecosystems evolve? How would alien life evolve? Finally, the course will ask questions about the boundaries of science. Should scientists refrain from researching certain scientific questions for ethical reasons?

Distribution: Humanities and Fine Arts General Education course