LFU:online

- Familiarity with important questions raised by digitalization

- Development of capacities of critical reflection and analysis

- Critical self-reflection in engaging with online information

The increasing digitalization of our society upends many traditional forms of thought and

action. This yields risks but also opportunities. The present generation has both the

opportunity and the responsibility to understand as well as shape these developments.

Armed with the tools of philosophy, we will discuss ethical questions (in the Winter

Semester 2019/20) and questions in the theory of knowledge (Summer Semester 2020).

Examples of the ethical questions include: What factors determine our right to digital

privacy? What is the effect of digitalization on democracy? Who bears responsibility for

accidents of self-driving cars? What does friendship mean in an online context?

Questions in the theory of knowledge include: In our age of „fake news“, is there any such

thing as objective journalism? How can we invest rational trust for online information? How

do online platforms subtly structure our thought? In our own consumption of online

information, are our aims simply to

informing ourselves, or do we have other motivations,

perhaps sociological ones, as well?

Students will not only discuss these and similar important questions, they will develop the

critical thinking abilities needed to negotiate life in a digitalized world.

presentations by the teacher, readings, class discussion

short essays over the course of the semester

will be announced

none

This course is provided within 202.105 VU Philosophy and Society.

Please note: Part 1 of these course was held in winter term 2019/20!

The acceptance is based on prioritised randomisation. Students who passed the first part get precedence. Theology students are asked to register to 202.105.