Philosophy

The seminar introduces sociological theories and methods that investigate the relationship between technology and society. The majority of the course is inspired by the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS). The texts are a mix of theoretical discussions, historical approaches, and ethnographic/situationalist research. The course explores concepts and topics such as sociotechnical systems, actor-networks, workplace studies, cyborgs, design, and sociotechnical imaginaries.

Ethics is about doing the right thing and about becoming the right sort of person; it is also about how we act collectively, as a family, as a nation, as the human race, to improve welfare and reduce harm; it is about how we blame and praise people, including ourselves; it is about how we teach children, both at home and in schools. Students look at how some philosophers have understood "the right thing" and "the right sort of person" from ancient Greece through to the 18th Century through to the present day. Students discuss these views through specific case studies, to understand how these frameworks may be applied in practical contexts, and explore possible strategies to address some ethical challenges that they face in the current society. The course is designed for students with no background in philosophy.

This course examines core themes and debates in contemporary metaphysics. Topics may vary slightly year to year but include objects and properties; possibility and necessity; causation; space and time; and the nature of truth. 

This course explores the fundamental philosophical problems and puzzles about the nature of the world and human beings. Examples include philosophical questions about the existence of God, the relationship between physical reality and mental life, and the nature of identity and the self. The theory of knowledge studies philosophical problems concerning the sources, limits, and justification of human knowledge and understanding.