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Philosophical Ethics of Digital Media
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:47
Abstract
This course examines selected topics and debates in philosophical ethics of digital media such as informational privacy, disinformation and their social effects. We will explore how central ethical questions and debates arise around digital media, how ethical problems with these technologies have been differently conceptualized and which arguments have been proposed and debated.
Objective
By the end of the semester, students have an overview of relevant topics and questions in philosophical ethics of digital media. They will be able to identify and differentiate between distinct ethical and critical approaches to digital media, to interpret and engage critically with complex texts, and to formulate and defend arguments in relation to digital media.
Content
Digital media have gained important structural and structuring roles in our societies. In these social conditions, it is key that students can identify and critically reflect on the particularities of the deployed digital systems, their possible effects, and central ethical concerns with them. In pluralistic societies, students should recognize a diversity of ways in which to formulate and argue over these technologies and digital systems. The course has four modules. The first module provides an overview of relevant ethical approaches to and core concepts in digital media ethics (digital technology, data, algorithms, platforms). From here we will explore ethical debates concerning the economic, political, and social dimension of digital media. The economic module deals with ethical questions surrounding the business model of digital media providers. The politics module addresses the political power and relevance of digital media in democracies. In the social module we ask how digital media influences and constitutes types of social relationships but also subjectivity.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 50
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | Philosophical Ethics of Digital Media | No time listed | 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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