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Oggetto:

Ethics of technology

Oggetto:

Ethics of technology

Oggetto:

Anno accademico 2024/2025

Codice attività didattica
ECM0354
Docente
Tiziana Carmen Callari (Titolare del corso)
Corso di studio
Laurea magistrale in Economics of Innovation for Sustainable Development [0404M21]
Anno
1° anno
Periodo
Secondo semestre
Tipologia
Affine o integrativo
Crediti/Valenza
6
SSD attività didattica
SPS/01 - filosofia politica
Erogazione
Tradizionale
Lingua
Inglese
Frequenza
Consigliata/Recommended
Tipologia esame
Orale
Oggetto:

Sommario insegnamento

Oggetto:

Obiettivi formativi

The course outlines the importance of ethical considerations in the design, development, and deployment of technology, offering an interdisciplinary perspective that draws from the humanities, social sciences, and engineering. It examines the ethical, psychological, and organisational challenges posed by emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and smart robotic systems, at individual, organisational, and societal levels. Through theoretical insights, case studies, and group discussions, students will critically engage with key ethical concerns such as autonomy, bias, accountability, and human-technology interaction. The course equips students with the analytical tools needed to assess and navigate the ethical dimensions of technological advancements.

Oggetto:

Risultati dell'apprendimento attesi

Knowledge and Comprehension: By the end of the course, the student will acquire knowledge of key ethical theories, frameworks, and challenges related to technology, AI, and robotics.

Ability to Apply Knowledge and Comprehension: By the end of the course, the student will be able to apply the knowledge to assess and analyse ethical dilemmas in technological design, development, and deployment.

Critical Thinking: By the end of the course, the student will be able to identify ethical risks, biases, and societal implications associated with emerging technologies and their governance.

Communication Skills: By the end of the course, the student will acquire the terminology used in the application of technology ethics, AI governance, and human-technology interaction.

Learning Skills: By the end of the course, the student will be able to independently explore the topics covered in the course through critical engagement with case studies, ethical frameworks, and real-world applications.

Oggetto:

Programma

This course comprises five modules:

Module 1: What is Technology? Technology shapes every aspect of human life, from the tools we use daily to the complex systems that structure society. This module introduces key ways to define and understand technology. We will explore different philosophical perspectives, and how technology is both shaped by human values and, in turn, influences human behaviour and decision-making. Taking an ethical perspective, we will consider fundamental questions: Is technology neutral, or does it inherently carry moral and political values? We will use case studies to explore this and other questions, to investigate further how technology continues to shape the development of innovations.

Module 2: What is Ethics (of Technology)? This module explores the foundations of ethics and its relevance to technological development, use, and impact. We will examine key ethical theories, and how they can be applied to assess the moral implications of technological advancements. To this end, smart technologies introduce new ethical dilemmas that challenge traditional moral reasoning. From privacy concerns in digital surveillance to the responsibilities of AI developers, ethical questions in technology often extend beyond individual decision-making to broader societal consequences.

Module 3: Interacting with Technology. This module focuses on the principles of Human Factors & Ergonomics (HFE) and how they guide the design and evaluation of interactive systems to enhance usability, safety, and efficiency. By drawing on key concepts from Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Human-Machine Interaction (HMI), Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), and Human-Like Interaction with AI, we will explore how different forms of interaction influence user experience and perception. A key focus of this module will be on design principles—such as affordances, feedback, and intuitive usability—essential for creating systems that align with human cognitive and physical capabilities. We will critically examine interaction challenges, including trust in automation, cognitive overload, and the ethical implications of human-like AI interactions.

Module 4: Ethics of AI. This module examines the ethical dimensions of AI, and we provide an overview of the key regulatory, governance, and ethics considerations surrounding AI-enabled technologies.

Module 5: Ethics of Smart Robotic Systems (Roboethics). This module focuses on roboethics, a term coined to address the social and ethical dimensions of designing, developing, and employing collaborative and intelligent robots. As robotic systems become increasingly autonomous and capable of decision-making, ethical considerations extend beyond traditional technology ethics to issues of responsibility, agency, and human-robot interaction. A key focus will be on the agentic nature of robots—whether robots should be seen as mere tools or as entities with degrees of autonomy that require ethical consideration. To address these concerns, we will explore the four types of roboethics frameworks proposed to capture the ethical implications of robotic autonomy and decision-making.

Oggetto:

Modalità di insegnamento

Each class follows a structured format, beginning with an initial theoretical handover, where key concepts and ethical frameworks are introduced. This is followed by workgroup activities and interactive discussions, allowing students to critically engage with the material, apply theoretical insights, and explore real-world implications. Participation in class activities will enhance comprehension and support the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, and collaborative problem-solving.

Attendance is highly recommended, as active participation is crucial for engaging with the course material. Students are expected to attend classes regularly and contribute to discussions, group exercises, and case study analyses.

Oggetto:

Modalità di verifica dell'apprendimento

The assessment is designed to evaluate the achievement of the expected learning outcomes through a combination of class participation and a final project presentation. The grading is expressed in thirtieths (scale 0–30), with 18 as the minimum passing grade.

The final exam will consist of an essay and a presentation to assess students' understanding of the key themes explored in class.

1. Essay (70% of the final grade)

  • Students will write an essay (3,000–5,000 words) on a suggested ethical challenge that will be introduced in class.
  • The essay should demonstrate critical engagement with theoretical concepts, ethical and real-world considerations.
  • Proper academic referencing and structured argumentation are expected.

2. PPT Presentation (20% of the final grade)

  • Students will prepare a PowerPoint presentation (approx. 15 minutes) summarising the key points of their essay. This will be presented in class
  • The presentation should highlight the main arguments, ethical dilemmas, case studies, and conclusions drawn in the essay.
  • Clarity, conciseness, and engagement with the class will be assessed.

3. Class participation (10% of the final grade)

  • Attending the course and actively participating in the class interactive activities is highly recommended, and therefore, contributes to the final grade. 

The final project presentation will take place at the end of the course, during a dedicated session.

Oggetto:

Attività di supporto

Learning will be supported through a variety of resources and activities provided throughout the course. Notably, Students will have access to lecture slides, case studies, and supplementary readings, which will be uploaded in advance on the university’s Moodle platform to facilitate preparation before each session.

Opportunities for formative feedback will be integrated into discussions during the interactive sessions and activities in class. This will be an opportunity for students to evaluate their understanding and enhance their analytical skills.

Office hours will be available for individual or group consultations, both in person and online to accommodate students with different needs. Details regarding scheduling and booking will be provided at the beginning of the course.

There are no mandatory laboratory sessions or additional tutoring beyond scheduled classes. However, students are encouraged to attend classes and engage actively to enhance their learning experience.

Testi consigliati e bibliografia



Oggetto:
Libro
Titolo:  
This is Technology Ethics: An Introduction
Anno pubblicazione:  
2023
Editore:  
Wiley-Blackwell
Autore:  
Sven Nyholm
Obbligatorio:  
Si


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