KDEC 9665 - Emerging Technology, Ethics and Global Governance

Emerging technologies pose critical dilemmas for governance. Advances in gene editing are reshaping debates about genetically modified plants, humans and the future of life itself. Neurotechnologies are enabling cognitive enhancement and the reading mental states, both of high interest to law enforcement and the military. The diffusion of Artificial Intelligence is upending prior notions of what is possible in research, manufacturing, economy and society. Governance approaches at the local, national, and international scales can help us shape a technological future we want, but broad disagreement remains. This seminar explores this terrain using frameworks from law, ethics, governance theory, and the sociology of science and technology. Through group work, discussion and debate, students will sharpen their ability to engage the levers of law, politics, and public policy to address emerging technology issues in a global context.

None.

Mixture of lecture, discussions, and debates/exercises.

Final paper and oral presentation

Weekly short written assignments in response to readings