Ethics in Communication Technology

Catalog description

Communication technology has radically developed and transformed over the past century at a constantly accelerating pace especially within the last few decades. Not only have the means of communication evolved, from telephones, to email, to social media, etc., but what was once an activity that humans seemingly performed exclusively with other humans (and maybe some animals) has now become something that connects humans with non-living beings such as automated response systems, computer generated artifacts, and artificial intelligences (AI). This course serves as an introduction to the ethical issues that arise due to these transformations, including questions about manipulation, privacy, and human value. We will also touch on metaphysical and epistemological questions that are intertwined with the ethical concerns, such as the nature of personhood, free will, and authenticity, as we explore the brave new world that advances in communication technology are continuously creating.