OVERVIEW

The course introduces the philosophy of technology and its principal themes. Through the guided reading of articles and book chapters, students will develop an understanding of the classical and contemporary philosophical questions concerning technology, design and artefacts. The course will also consider artificial intelligence as a contemporary problem for the philosophy of technology, asking how systems such as large language models change our understanding of technological function, mediation and responsibility.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

To analyze the notion of technology. To question the various forms of technology and their relationship to science. To identify the place of technological objects in an overall picture of reality. To consider the value implications of technology, both in ethics and aesthetics.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will develop an understanding of the central questions in the philosophy of technology and of its relationship to broader philosophical problems. In particular, they will become familiar with debates on the ontological status of artefacts, on their design, on their value, and on the way in which they acquire the functions they have. Through the study of classical and contemporary texts, and through critical discussion in class, students will develop their own position on these problems. The course will also examine artificial intelligence as a recent technological case in which questions concerning function, use, responsibility and human understanding become particularly relevant. By the end of the course, students should know the classical and contemporary questions of the philosophy of technology; understand the notion of the function of artefacts, its similarities to and differences from biological function, and its relationship to the intentions of users and designers; be able to discuss the way in which aesthetic value can be attributed to designed objects; and understand the ethical and political questions that arise when we consider technology, design, artefacts and artificial intelligence.

PREREQUISITES

Since the course will be taught in English, a good ability to understand, speak and write in this language is required.

TEACHING METHODS

In-person teaching. The course consists of 40 hours, corresponding to 6 CFU, with moments of collective discussion and assessment of learning.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course begins from the central concepts of the philosophy of technology. Students will consider what technology is, what artefacts are, and how technological objects acquire the functions they have. The course will then turn to design, asking how designed objects can be aesthetically evaluated and how designers can understand the relationship between intended use and actual use. The final part of the course considers the moral and political significance of technology, with particular attention to artificial intelligence as a recent case in which questions concerning technological function, mediation and responsibility become particularly urgent.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Baker, L. R. (2007). The Metaphysics of Everyday Life. Cambridge University Press.

Buckner, C. J. (2023). From Deep Learning to Rational Machines: What the History of Philosophy Can Teach Us about the Future of Artificial Intelligence. Oxford University Press.

Evnine, S. J. (2016). Making Objects and Events: A Hylomorphic Theory of Artifacts, Actions, and Organisms. Oxford University Press.

Parsons, G. (2015). The Philosophy of Design. Wiley.

Parsons, G., & Carlson, A. (2008). Functional Beauty. Oxford University Press.

Preston, B. (2013). A Philosophy of Material Culture: Action, Function, and Mind. Routledge.

Further readings on artificial intelligence will be provided during the course.Further readings on artificial intelligence will be provided during the course.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Starting week: 21 September 2026.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination consists of a written part and an oral part. Students will write a 3000-word essay on one of the topics covered in the course, with suggested titles to be provided later, and will critically discuss the essay and the other main themes of the course during the oral examination.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

During the course, students' active participation is encouraged and valued in the discussion of the various aspects of the syllabus. Assessment will be based on the degree of understanding of the course topics, on the ability to present them clearly and concisely, and on the ability to evaluate them critically. A student who shows an understanding of the fundamental notions and problems of the discipline, and presents them clearly and coherently but only in their essential features, will be assessed as “sufficient”. A student who masters the fundamental notions and problems of the discipline and is able to analyse them will be assessed as “good”. A student who, in addition to mastering the fundamental notions and problems of the discipline and being able to analyse them, also shows an inclination to construct original theses and arguments will be assessed as “excellent”.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with disabilities or specific learning disorders (DSA) can find information on how to request services, compensatory tools, exemption measures and specific aids in the document available at the following link: https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/modulistica