Philosophy of Science Technology and Society -- University of Twente

University of Twente / Universiteit Twente

9 Jan 201402:00

Summary

TLDRCecile Campers, a professor of Philosophy of Science, Technology, and Society, discusses the critical analysis of technology's impact on society. She shares her journey from viewing science and technology as neutral to recognizing their complex interplay with societal values. Campers emphasizes the importance of understanding both engineering perspectives and societal values, highlighting the role of her professor, Peter Paul Verbake, in making complex technological topics accessible. She invites those interested in the intersection of philosophy, technology, and society to explore more at the open day or through the website.

Takeaways

🤖 The speaker, Cecile Campers, teaches Philosophy of Science, Technology, and Society, which critically examines the impact of technology on society.
🧠 During her bachelor studies, Cecile realized her interest in the interplay between scientific knowledge, biological processes, and their societal context.
🌟 The course is unique as it combines understanding of engineering perspectives with societal values, showing their interconnection.
🔍 Cecile's views have evolved to adopt a more critical stance towards technology's role and its societal desirability.
🤔 The course encourages reflection on the intersection of technology, scientific practices, and social values.
👨‍🏫 Peter Paul Verbake is a professor mentioned, who can simplify complex technological topics for a wider audience.
💡 The script invites those interested in philosophy, technology, and society to attend an open day or visit the website for more information.
🌐 The discussion highlights the importance of considering both the technical and societal aspects when assessing new technologies.
📈 The script suggests that technology is not neutral but plays a significant role in shaping society and its values.
📚 The course aims to equip students with the ability to critically analyze the effects of technological advancements on society.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Cecile Campers' field of study?
-Cecile Campers' field of study focuses on the philosophy of science, technology, and society, which involves critically analyzing and assessing the effects of technology on society.
How does the study of philosophy of science, technology, and society differ from traditional engineering studies?
-The study of philosophy of science, technology, and society differs from traditional engineering studies by requiring students to look at technology from both engineering and societal perspectives, intertwining technical knowledge with societal values.
What was Cecile's initial perception of science and technology before her studies?
-Before her studies, Cecile perceived science and technology as neutral instruments of society.
How has Cecile's attitude towards technology changed after her studies?
-Cecile's attitude towards technology has changed to a more critical stance, questioning the role of technology and its desirability in society.
What does Cecile's course aim to teach students about technology assessments?
-Cecile's course aims to teach students how to make technological assessments within a societal context, considering both engineering and societal viewpoints.
Who is one of Cecile's professors mentioned in the transcript?
-One of Cecile's professors mentioned in the transcript is Peter Paul Verbake.
What is unique about Peter Paul Verbake's approach to teaching complex technological topics?
-Peter Paul Verbake's approach is unique because he can discuss complex technological subjects and make them understandable for a broad audience.
What is the broader context that Cecile relates her studies to?
-Cecile relates her studies to the bigger picture, connecting scientific knowledge and biological processes to societal contexts.
How does the study of philosophy of science, technology, and society help in understanding the impact of technology on society?
-The study helps in understanding the impact of technology on society by critically analyzing the interplay between technological advancements and societal values.
What kind of attitude does Cecile encourage towards the role of technology in society?
-Cecile encourages a critical attitude towards the role of technology in society, promoting reflection on its impact and desirability.
What action does the transcript suggest for those interested in philosophy, technology, and society?
-For those interested in philosophy, technology, and society, the transcript suggests visiting the open day or the website for further information.

Outlines

00:00

🤖 Philosophy of Science, Technology, and Society

Cecile Campers introduces the field of Philosophy of Science, Technology, and Society, which teaches students to critically analyze the impact of technology on society. During her bachelor's studies, she discovered her interest in the establishment of scientific knowledge, biological processes, and their societal context. She emphasizes the importance of understanding both engineering perspectives and societal values, as they are intertwined. Her view on technology has evolved from seeing it as a neutral instrument to having a more critical stance on its role and desirability in society. The paragraph also mentions her professor, Peter Paul, who can simplify complex technological concepts for a broader audience. The script invites those interested in philosophy, technology, and society to attend an open day or visit the website for more information.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Philosophy of Science, Technology, and Society

This is an interdisciplinary field that examines the impact of technology on society and the ethical and social implications of scientific advancements. In the video, Cecile Campers teaches this subject to help students critically analyze and assess the effects of technology on society, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the technical and societal perspectives.

💡Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

ICT refers to the technologies that facilitate the creation, storage, processing, and dissemination of information. The video discusses how these technologies are affecting our privacy, suggesting that the rapid advancement and widespread use of ICT have raised concerns about the protection of personal data and the right to privacy.

💡Privacy

Privacy is the ability of an individual to seclude themselves or information about themselves and thereby express themselves selectively. In the context of the video, privacy is highlighted as a key concern affected by new technologies, as they often involve the collection and analysis of personal data.

💡Perceptions

Perceptions are the way in which individuals interpret and understand the world around them. The video suggests that new technologies are changing how we perceive the world, possibly by altering our experiences and the information we receive.

💡Critical Analysis

Critical analysis involves the careful examination and evaluation of information or phenomena. In the video, Cecile emphasizes the importance of critically analyzing the role of technology in society, moving beyond a neutral view to consider the potential negative impacts and ethical considerations.

💡Societal Context

Societal context refers to the social, cultural, and historical circumstances in which events or phenomena occur. The video stresses the importance of relating technological advancements to their societal context to understand their broader implications and consequences.

💡Engineers' Perspective

This refers to the way engineers approach problems and create solutions, often focusing on technical feasibility and efficiency. The video mentions that studying the philosophy of technology teaches students how engineers think, which is essential for understanding the development and application of new technologies.

💡Societal Values

Societal values are the principles and beliefs that guide a society's behavior and decision-making. The video discusses how these values are intertwined with technological developments, suggesting that technology should align with and respect the values of the society in which it is used.

💡Intertwined

To be intertwined means to be closely connected or combined. In the video, Cecile Campers talks about how engineering thinking and societal values are intertwined, indicating that the development and use of technology should consider both technical and social aspects.

💡Open Day

An open day is an event where an educational institution or organization opens its doors to the public, allowing them to explore and learn more about what is offered. The video invites those interested in philosophy, technology, and society to visit an open day or the website to learn more about the subject.

💡Peter Paul Verbake

Peter Paul Verbake is mentioned as one of Cecile's professors, known for his ability to make complex technological topics understandable to a broad audience. This highlights the importance of making philosophical discussions about technology accessible and relatable to non-experts.

Highlights

Can you become friends with a robot?

Impact of information and communication technologies on privacy

How new technologies change our perceptions of the world

Introduction of Cecile Campers, a teacher of philosophy of science, technology, and society

Teaching students to critically analyze the effect of technology on society

Interest in scientific knowledge establishment and biological processes

Relating scientific work to a societal context

Uniqueness of making technological assessments in societal context

Learning how engineers think and societal values

Intertwining of engineering and societal values

Initial belief in science and technology as neutral instruments

Developing a critical attitude towards technology's role and desirability

Reflecting on issues concerning technology, scientific practices, and social values

Professor Peter Paul Forbake's ability to simplify complex technological topics

Invitation to those interested in philosophy, technology, and society

Encouragement to visit the open day or website for more information