We use digital technology in nearly all of our daily routines: work, school, relaxation, networking, navigation, etc. This dominance raises important ethical concerns regarding privacy, security, knowledge acquisition, democracy, criminal justice, social equality, intellectual property, personhood, and more. What’s more, our legal systems and social norms seem unable to keep pace with technological advances. This course will survey various ethical issues that arise in the fascinating but often troubling digital landscape. It will draw on both philosophical texts and interdisciplinary research at the intersection of technology, law, ethics, and public policy. (This course is cross-listed with CIS 3270. Students will receive credit for either PHI 3270 or CIS 3270. These courses may substitute for each other with the F-replacement policy.)
Prerequisite: Any 1000-Level Course in Philosophy or CIS 2200