Are the machines coming to get us? How does technology shape how we think about the human condition?
{ A note about the series: This series started on June 4, 2023, and will be seven sessions in total. Yet, students are able to join for one single session or the remaining sessions in the series at any time. The series price is discounted along the way to take into account how many sessions remain.)
Course Series Description
In this seven-session course series, participants will delve into the multifaceted relationship between technology and the human condition, examining its impact on human identity, consciousness, relationships, reality, ethics, and society at large. As we navigate an increasingly technology-driven world, it is crucial to contemplate the profound ways in which technological advancements have influenced and transformed our understanding of ourselves, our connections with others, and our place in the world. Through a comprehensive exploration of philosophical essays, literature, and films, students will engage in facilitated discussions and critical reflections, considering a variety of perspectives on the role of technology in shaping our lives and our collective future.
Throughout the course, we will analyze key themes and topics, such as the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, the blurred boundaries between virtual and physical realities, the influence of technology on personal relationships, and the potential consequences of technological advancements on society. By examining these themes, through the works of renowned philosophers, authors, and filmmakers, students will gain a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between technology and the human experience and develop the skills to think critically about the ethical, social, and existential implications of emerging technologies.
We will include relevant articles from national newspapers and magazines to pair with the themes of each class.
Class Dates & Times*
(*Note: Class dates may shift slightly once the cohort of students is signed on. We’ll do a date and time survey to maximize participation.)
Sundays from 4:00-6:00 PM PST
June 4, June 25, July 23, and October 29
Saturdays from 10:00 am-12:00 PM PST
Aug. 19, Sept. 16, Nov. 11
Texts and Films We’ll Explore in this Course Series
Full course schedule will be provided upon registration.
(*Note: We may adapt our course materials list as we move through the course and student raise questions & points of interest that may steer us to adapt the materials.)
"You Are Not a Gadget: A Manifesto" by Jaron Lanier – A collection of essays critiquing the prevailing ideologies of the digital age and calling for a more humanistic approach to technology.
"The Age of Spiritual Machines: When Computers Exceed Human Intelligence" by Ray Kurzweil – A collection of essays discussing the potential for advanced artificial intelligence to surpass human intelligence and the impact this development could have on society and human identity.
Selected essays from “The Second Self: Computers and the Human Spirit" by Sherry Turkle – A collection of essays that explore the psychological and social impact of computers and digital technology on the human experience.
"The Question Concerning Technology" by Martin Heidegger – A philosophical essay delving into the essence of technology, its impact on human beings, and its role in shaping our understanding of the world.
"The Lathe of Heaven" by Ursula K. Le Guin – A novel exploring the implications of advanced technology on the nature of reality, free will, and human responsibility.
"Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley – A novel exploring a dystopian society dominated by technology, where human identity, relationships, and emotions are manipulated and controlled.
"Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley – A classic novel that examines the ethical and moral implications of creating life through scientific and technological advancements.
Essay "Computing Machinery and Intelligence" by Alan Turing – In this groundbreaking essay, Turing discusses the potential for machines to think and the implications of artificial intelligence on our understanding of human intelligence and consciousness.
Film: "Sorry to Bother You" (2018) directed by Boots Riley – A dark comedy film that explores the role of technology in corporate control, labor exploitation, and the dehumanizing effects of capitalism in a dystopian version of Oakland, California.
Film: "Her" (2013) directed by Spike Jonze – A film that tells the story of a man who falls in love with his AI personal assistant, raising questions about the nature of relationships, emotions, and the impact of technology on our personal lives.
Poem " The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot – This classic poem, although not solely focused on technology, addresses the disillusionment and fragmentation of the modern world, partially brought on by rapid technological advancements in the early 20th century.
Poem "The Internet of Things" by Kate Tempest – A poem that explores the interconnectedness of technology and human life in the digital age, questioning the consequences of our reliance on devices and networks. and excerpts from On Connection.
Short story "The Machine Stops" by E.M. Forster – A short story that envisions a world where humans are entirely dependent on a global machine for their every need, raising questions about the loss of individuality, creativity, and human connection.
Five core questions lie at the heart of this class, addressing the relationship between technology and the human condition
How does the integration of technology into our daily lives impact the nature and quality of our personal relationships and social interactions?
How does technology shape our understanding of human identity, consciousness, and our sense of self in an increasingly connected world?
What ethical considerations and challenges arise from the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and other emerging technologies?
How do the blurred boundaries between virtual and physical realities affect our perception of the world and our place in it?
As we continue to develop and adopt new technologies, how can we ensure that their applications are grounded in ethical principles and contribute positively to the well-being of individuals and society as a whole?