PHIL 111 - Science, Technology, and Value

Credits: 5
Introduces students to the social, environmental, and ethical implications of contemporary science and technology. Topics include the normative ethics of behavior, value theory, and metaphysics together with issues on artificial intelligence, internet privacy, climate change, biotechnology, gender, and everyday artifacts.

Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL 099 or instructor’s permission.

Satisfies Requirement: Humanities/Fine Arts/English

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

Demonstrate command of important philosophical terminology, themes, and arguments related to technological usage, research, and advancement.
State and evaluate non-trivial theories and arguments from various sources related to science, technology, and value.
Identify the practical implications of the interconnectedness of human values and technological development to their own lives and professions.

Program Outcomes
Form, analyze, and assess beliefs while demonstrating intellectual humility and respect towards the beliefs of others.

College-wide Outcomes

Critical Thinking - Critical thinking finds expression in all disciplines and everyday life. It is characterized by an ability to reflect upon thinking patterns, including the role of emotions on thoughts, and to rigorously assess the quality of thought through its work products. Critical thinkers routinely evaluate thinking processes and alter them, as necessary, to facilitate an improvement in their thinking and potentially foster certain dispositions or intellectual traits over time.
Written Communication - Written Communication encompasses all the abilities necessary for effective expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas in written form.