Course Objectives
1. It is possible to provide accurate and sufficient explanations regarding concepts and discussions in the philosophy of technology.
2. It is possible to apply the learned content to one's own life and come up with appropriate concrete examples.
3. Taking into account (or critically examining) the learned content, it is possible to find one's own themes and thoroughly examine and discuss the ways of oneself and society in a convincing manner."
Rubric
| Ideal Level | Standard Level | Unacceptable Level |
| Achievement 1 | Can provide accurate and sufficient explanations regarding concepts and discussions in the philosophy of technology. | Can provide the minimum necessary explanations regarding concepts and discussions in the philosophy of technology. | Cannot explain concepts and discussions in the philosophy of technology. |
| Achievement 2 | Can apply the learned content to one's own life and come up with appropriate concrete examples. | Can apply the learned content to one's own life and think of concrete examples. | Cannot apply the learned content to one's own life and think of concrete examples. |
| Achievement 3 | Taking into account (or critically examining) the learned content, can find one's own themes and thoroughly examine and discuss the ways of oneself and society in a convincing manner. | Taking into account (or critically examining) the learned content, can find one's own themes and conduct a certain level of examination regarding the ways of oneself and society. | Taking into account (or critically examining) the learned content, cannot examine and discuss the ways of oneself and society. |
Assigned Department Objectives
Teaching Method
Outline:
"■ Technology is involved in various ways in our lives. Such technology influences our perspectives, thoughts, actions, and decision-making. How can we explore the influence of such technology, and how do we confront it in our own lives?
■ One approach to addressing these issues is through the field of philosophy of technology. Philosophy is a discipline that examines the details of concepts. Therefore, the philosophy of technology involves a detailed examination of concepts related to technology. Through the approach of the philosophy of technology, we can thoroughly examine the impact that technology has on us at a conceptual level.
■ In this course, we will acquire various perspectives and methodologies of the philosophy of technology, critically examine them, and develop our own perspectives and thoughts. The primary textbook for this course will be 'Lectures on the Philosophy of Technology' by Mark C. Taylor, published by Maruzen in 2023. There is no obligation for students to purchase it.
■ We will especially focus on examining based on concrete examples. The instructor will provide relevant examples, and students will actively reflect on their own lives, drawing on concrete examples for analysis."
Style:
■ Pre-learning
Pre-learning is required for this course.
The instructor will distribute a worksheet at the end of each class, instructing students to work on it before the next class. Students should come to class having answered the questions on the distributed worksheet.
■ Class Structure
The class consists of two main parts. First, the instructor will lecture on the important themes for each session. Next, group work using the worksheets will be conducted.
■ Post-learning
After class, students will take the worksheets home and use them for post-learning and assistance in creating the final report."
Notice:
Here is the English translation:
"■ Evaluation and Other Matters
(1) Score Distribution: Regular points (group work) 60%, Final Report 40%
(2) Evaluation Criteria: Passing grade is 60 points or above
(3) Retake Exam: No retake exams will be conducted
(4) Academic Credits: This course carries academic credits, and learning outside of class hours is required. Assignments will be given for this purpose.
■ Regarding the Final Report
In cases of plagiarism or violations such as the use of AI, the grade will be zero, and there will be no reevaluation.
■ Absence Policy
Materials distributed during the class of absentees will not be stored. Please arrange to get a copy from classmates in case of absence.
Absence from class results in the absence of regular points (applies even in cases of official leave). In the case of official leave, please communicate and alternative arrangements can be made. Also, those who do not participate in group work (sleeping, not participating in discussions, etc.) will be considered absent."
Characteristics of Class / Division in Learning
Course Plan
|
|
|
Theme |
Goals |
| 1st Semester |
| 1st Quarter |
| 1st |
Introduction: Explanation of Course Policies |
Gain fundamental knowledge to take the course. Understand the course policies.
|
| 2nd |
History and Background of the Philosophy of Technology |
Understand the formation of the philosophy of technology. Understand the historical context, background, and critical inquiries of the philosophy of technology.
|
| 3rd |
Phenomenology and Hermeneutics - Heidegger, McLuhan, and Contemporary Research |
Understand contemporary research on Heidegger, McLuhan, and the interpretation of technology in phenomenology.
|
| 4th |
Post-Phenomenology, Material Hermeneutics, Media Theory |
Understand the empirical turn, thinkers such as Arendt and Feenberg, and critical discussions about them.
|
| 5th |
Critical Theory and Feminism |
Understand Marx, critical theory, and feminist philosophy of technology.
|
| 6th |
Pragmatism, Analytical Approach, Cross-Cultural Philosophy |
Understand pragmatism, analytical philosophy of technology, and cross-cultural philosophy of technology.
|
| 7th |
From Information Technology to Philosophy, and Ethics of Information |
Understand Floridi and critical discussions about him.
|
| 8th |
From Robotics and Artificial Intelligence to Reflections on Moral Status and Human Relationships |
Understand the moral agency of robots and moral patienthood.
|
| 2nd Quarter |
| 9th |
From Genetic Engineering and Cyborgs to Transhumanism and Posthumanism |
Understand transhumanism, enhancement, and posthumanism.
|
| 10th |
Climate Change and Geoengineering - Inquiry into "Nature" and Consideration of the "Anthropocene" in the Anthropocene |
Understand the issues with the concept of nature and the Anthropocene.
|
| 11th |
Philosophy of Technology and Other Branches of Philosophy |
Understand the connections to ethics, moral philosophy, philosophical anthropology, and philosophy of language.
|
| 12th |
Philosophy of Technology and Other Academic Disciplines - Interdisciplinarity and Transdisciplinarity |
Understand the connections to natural sciences and engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
|
| 13th |
Philosophy of Technology and Practical Applications Outside Academia |
Understand Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI), value-sensitive design, their relevance to policy-making, and reflect on the future of philosophy of technology.
|
| 14th |
Technology Design and Its Ethics |
Understand the design of technological mediation and anticipated technological ethics.
|
| 15th |
Conclusion and Guidance for Report Writing |
Reflect on the entire course and acquire knowledge for creating the final report.
|
| 16th |
|
|
Evaluation Method and Weight (%)
| Examination | Presentation | Mutual Evaluations between students | Behavior | Portfolio | Other | Total |
| Subtotal | 0 | 60 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 40 | 100 |
| Basic Proficiency | 0 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 50 |
| Specialized Proficiency | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cross Area Proficiency | 0 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 50 |