Philosophy is not an innovation blocker
November 19th marks World Philosophy Day proclaimed and celebrated by UNESCO to underline the value of philosophy for human thought development, for every culture, society, and each individual.
Here at CODE, we recognized very early the need for space where our students could engage in critical discussions about the troubling and challenging times we are living in.
We believe that all students of technology and design should think about the social impact of their work, understand the political forces they are feeding, and understand something about history, philosophy, and the arts. Philosophy of technology is a vital part of CODE’s curriculum. That is why we believe in the importance of our Science, Technology & Society Program (STS).
Using the occasion of World Philosophy Day, our Senior Lecturer for Science, Technology, Society, Dr. Sebastian Rosengrün, will do an online workshop for high-school students on “Computer, COVID, CODE” at the Holbein Gymnasium in Augsburg, organized by Güler Güclu from the University of Augsburg, Philosophy Department. Sebastian wants to raise awareness for the opportunities and challenges of digital technologies during the pandemic.
We used this opportunity and asked him a couple of questions.
Why do you think that all high-school students need to think about technology?
Because technology is not just a tool, technology defines who we are and how we live together. To shape the technology of the future, everybody must have the chance to understand how the technology works. I find this to be crucial for a free, open, and democratic society.
What’s the importance of philosophy today?
In a time that rushes for quick solutions, we sometimes also need to halt, take a step back and think about the bigger picture. Philosophy invites everyone to connect ideas from different fields, to reflect on the consequences of their action, and about who we are and who we want to become.
… and to be critical?
Yes, of course. But not for the sake of being critical. Philosophy is not an innovation blocker but empowers people to think, act, and be human.
