The ethics of engineering II

HUM-459 / 3 credits

Teacher: Rodogno Raffaele

Language: English

Withdrawal: It is not allowed to withdraw from this subject after the registration deadline.

Remark: Une seule inscription à un cours SHS+MGT autorisée. En cas d'inscriptions multiples elles seront toutes supprimées sans notification.

Summary

This module focuses on the idea of value in design and the ethics of artefacts more in general.

Content

This module focuses on the idea of value in design and the ethics of artefacts more in general. The course is divided in two parts. In the first, an approach is proposed for the evaluation of artefacts. We study the alleged value-neutrality of artefacts, the way values are realized in society and consequently influenced by artefacts, and, finally, the claims that technology is invariably the solution or part of the problem. The teacher illustrates this approach through examples drawn from their own research in the ethics of social robotics and AI. In the second part of the course, the students are required to put this approach into practice. Having formed groups, they will select an artefact of their choosing and provide an ethical analysis. Finally, each group will present their analysis to the rest of the class.

Keywords

Values and Norms

Value-neutrality of artefacts

Value in design

The realization of values in society

Risk- benefit assessment

Techno-solutionism

Techno-scepticism

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

None

Recommended courses

None

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

  • Recognize the ethical issues that engineers may encounter in their professional activities.
  • Use ethical concepts and tools in order to form their own ethical judgement in the matter.
  • Defend practicable solutions

Transversal skills

  • Demonstrate the capacity for critical thinking
  • Make an oral presentation.
  • Write a scientific or technical report.
  • Plan and carry out activities in a way which makes optimal use of available time and other resources.
  • Assess progress against the plan, and adapt the plan as appropriate.

Teaching methods

 

  1. In class discussion of the reading material
  2. Presentation by the lecturer of the subject
  3. Group work

 

 

Expected student activities

  • Reading ahead of the course
  • Participate to the weekly sessions espcially when the other students are presenting their projects
  • Form and work in groups
  • Present a project

 

Assessment methods

  • Hand-in Group Project Plan
  • Oral Presentation of Group Project
  • Hand-in Group Project Report

 

Supervision

Office hours No
Assistants Yes
Forum Yes

Resources

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)

Yes

Bibliography

Martin Peterson (2025). Ethics for Engineers, Second Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
ISBN: 9780197798041

 

Ressources en bibliothèque

Notes/Handbook

Martin Peterson (2025). Ethics for Engineers, Second Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
ISBN: 9780197798041

Moodle Link

In the programs

  • Semester: Spring
  • Number of places: 60
  • Exam form: During the semester (summer session)
  • Subject examined: The ethics of engineering II
  • Project: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory

Reference week

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