PHIL 480 - Science, Technology and Society

(3 units) CO9, CO13

Interactions of science, technology and society. An interdisciplinary analysis of historical and contemporary examples from the sciences, technology, arts, literature and philosophical writing. (HIST 480 and PHIL 480 are cross-listed; credit may be earned in one of the two.)

Maximum units a student may earn: 3

Prerequisite(s): General Education courses (CO1-CO3) completed; at least 3 courses from CO4-CO8 completed; Junior or Senior standing.

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Offered: Every Spring

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. state a thesis about a societal issue arising from science and/or technology, and provide evidence and philosophical argument (including replies to counter-arguments) in its defense.
2. communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts, with a range of audiences.
3. explain a scientific development or technological innovation in lay terms, and analyze different (and perhaps incompatible) cultural implications or policy responses.
4. recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in engineering and computing practice based on legal and ethical principles, considering the impact of solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5. acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
6. distinguish between sound and unsound interpretations of a scientific theory, or of the evidence marshaled for or against a scientific hypothesis, in a sociopolitical setting.
7. show philosophers’ tools (argument, conceptual analysis, etc.) are able to clarify what is at stake in a culturally significant scientific development or technological innovation.

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