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Digital Society: Ethical, Societal and Economic Challenges
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:23:30
Abstract
This seminar will address ethical challenges coming along with new digital technologies such as cloud computing, Big Data, artificial intelligence, cognitive computing, quantum computing, robots, drones, Internet of Things, virtual reality, blockchain technology, and more.
Objective
Participants shall learn to understand that any technology implies not only opportunities but also risks. It is important to understand these well in order to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits. In some cases, it is highly non-trivial to identify and avoid undesired side effects of technologies. The seminar will sharpen the attention how to design technologies for values, also called value-sensitive design or ethically aligned design.
Content
Will be provided on Moodle.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Will be provided on Moodle.
Literature
Ethically Aligned Design Version 1: Link Version 2: Link Value-Sensitive Design Link Handbook of Ethics, Values and Technological Design Link Thinking Ahead https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783319150772 Towards Digital Enlightenment https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-90869-4 Künstliche Intelligenz und Maschinisierung des Menschen Link Move Fast and Break Things: How Facebook, Google, and Amazon Cornered Culture and Undermined Democracy (J Taplin) Link How Humans Judge Machines https://www.amazon.co.uk/Humans-Judge-Machines-Cesar-Hidalgo/dp/0262045524/ Ethics of smart cities https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/20/11162 The ethics of AI in health care: a mapping review https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953620303919 Soft Ethics and the Governance of the Digital https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13347-018-0303-9 The Ethics of AI Ethics: An Evaluation of Guidelines https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11023-020-09517-8 Principles of robotics: regulating robots in the real world https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09540091.2016.1271400 The Malicious Use of Artificial Intelligence: Forecasting, Prevention, and Mitigation https://arxiv.org/abs/1802.07228 Will Democracy Survive Big Data and Artificial Intelligence? https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-90869-4_7 Further literature will be recommended in the lectures.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , DS , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 30
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Digital Society: Ethical, Societal and Economic Challenges |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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Doctorate Biology (More Information at: )
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