Philosophy 118S: Ethical Issues in Science and Engineering
Syllabus

Spring 1996, MW 4:15, Beckman
In a very general sense, this course is an inquiry into the nature of technology and its relation to human life. In particular, we will examine some of the ethical issues that arise (and will continue to arise) when people practice science and engineering. Scientists and engineers are the principal media through which the technology of our age changes. In that respect, they occupy positions of great moral power, since the changes in technology will organize and direct our future values and "vital interests." The objective of this course is to try to understand the position of scientists and engineers and the nature of that moral power in detail. In order to achieve this we must develop the habit of seeing scientific and engineering activities within the whole context of technology rather than within the limited context of their specific skills and so-called "disinterested" objectives.

We will begin with an essay written by the Spanish philosopher Jos Ortega y Gasset, "Man as Technician." In this essay, Ortega develops a general view of the collateral development of human life and technology, including insights into the moral dimension of technology. We will continue our introductory reading with a short essay by Helen Longino on the "value-neutrality" of science. Our first case study will be the development of nuclear technology. We will consider issues in nuclear technology ranging from the early issues of the Manhattan Project to the nuclear arms race, atmospheric testing, development of nuclear power, and problems with nuclear waste disposal. Next, we will examine some of the issues presently being created by the ever-expanding development of genetic research, using a collection of essays written for the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Continuing with bio-medical issues, we will finish the first half of the semester with a brief discussion of the use of animals in scientific research, using a few articles from a collection put together by Gill Langley and some other sources. In the second half of the semester the focus will turn to the environment and we will begin with the complex relationships between hydroelectric power and the Pacific salmon fishery. Next, we will consider some of the problems with water resources that have been created by extensive practices of irrigation, fertilization, and pest control in agri-business. We will conclude this discussion with a brief consideration of the impact of human population expansion on the environment. The last case study will be an introduction to ethical issues surrounding the ever-increasing involvement of computing and computers in our lives. We will use a new book on computer ethics by Tom Forester and Perry Morrison. Finally, we will conclude the course with a very brief look at the personal, professional situation of science and engineering practitioners.

Personal Information

My office is Rm 105, Kingston Hall. You can call me at 607-3148 or you can (or should, for best results) e-mail me at Tad_Beckman@HMC.EDU.

My HomePage can be found at http://www2.hmc.edu/~tbeckman.

Assignments and Expectations

This is a discussion-oriented seminar based on readings and presentations. The reading assignments are indicated on the schedule; it is essential, for good discussions, that everyone finish readings for the days assigned. Attendance and participation in class discussions are both expected.

You will find all course-related materials on the new HMC coursework Web server --- http://www4.hmc.edu/humanities/phil118/. All assignments and assignment updates will be made through the Web. You will also find some useful resources there.

One position paper of modest length will be assigned early in the semester. This will relate to the general issues of technology in human society. See "Paper Assignments" for details.

Each student will make two presentations during the semester, one in the position of "advocacy" and one in the position of "critique." Each student preparing the "advocacy" presentation will post an outline of his/her main points on the Web one week in advance of the scheduled class. The "critique" presenter will post an outline of his/her main points on the Web at least one day in advance. By the time of class, all participants should have reviewed the outlines of the day's discussions. After class discussion, other members of the class may post further comments/questions on the topic. One week later, each presenter will post a final version of his/her argument on the Web in the form of a complete paper (about four pages for "advocacy" and about two pages for "critique.") See "Paper Assignments" for more details.

The final writing assignment will be a term paper of greater length that demon- strates some research on an approved topic relevant to the course. This topic may be an extension of materials discussed in class or an approved topic beyond assigned class work.

There will be no examinations in this course. An approximate weighting of these assignments is class-participation (25%), advocacy presentation (20%), critique presentation (10%), early position paper (15%), and term paper (30%).

Required Texts

Required Articles

Back to Phil 118S Home Page
Updated on January 8, 1996, by Tad A. Beckman (tbeckman@thuban.ac.hmc.edu).