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Work and Technological Societies
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:38
Abstract
This seminar introduces students to the variety of ethical, historical, and normative perspectives on the relationship between technology and human work, with a particular focus on transformations in digital technology and Artificial Intelligence.
Objective
This course 1) acquaints students with the socio-technical perspectives through which they can analyse the evolving relationship between human work and technology, 2) enables them to critically analyse current debates around the future of human work in society and articulate what is at stake in them, 3) provides students with analytical tools to help them reflect on their relationship to technology in work contexts and contribute to the development of digital technology in society
Content
The increasing presence of digital technologies in daily and public life is affecting not only how people work but also the relationship they have to their work, and the role of work in society. Automation and AI sparked debates about the economics of the future of work. Yet, the relationship between human work and machines exists in a much broader societal context. The course will enable students to critically discuss the ethical, political, and social implications of the evolving relationship between technology and human work. This course traces the relationship between work and technology through several perspectives, considering the economic, historical, social, political, and legal angles. Through each perspective, students will inquire about the views of the world that become enacted through the adoption of technology in the ways in which people work. Using several concepts from constructivist and interpretive social science, the course links current debates around AI and AGI to a broader discussion of the role of machines in society. Students will thereby learn concrete examples and consider historical narratives alongside contemporary questions. They will learn to apply these perspectives to their own experiences and engage constructively with others. As a result, the course will help students consider how the social elements of technology and work affect how they build their societies, not just their economies. Each seminar session will contain a small lecture and a collective discussion. Students are expected to engage with texts weekly, participate in class discussions, and submit a final essay or project.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS , DR , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 40
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | Work and Technological Societies | No time listed | 20 h semesterly |
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 Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (More Information at: )