Philosophy and technology: the birth of the internet and AI
We examine how key philosophers have shaped our understanding of technology, from the invention of cybernetics to the rise of the internet and artificial intelligence, with close readings of Kant, Heidegger, Wiener, and Simondon.
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This course explores how philosophy has engaged with the emergence of modern technologies - from cybernetics to the internet and artificial intelligence - by focusing on key thinkers across modern and contemporary thought. Beginning with Kant’s ideas about technics and reason, we move through Heidegger’s reflections on the essence of technology, Wiener’s foundational work in cybernetics, and Simondon’s theory of technical objects. The course provides a conceptual framework to understand how machines, networks, and algorithms have transformed the way we live, perceive, and think.
What will we cover?
Kant and Technics - The relation between tools, reason, and human autonomy • Heidegger’s “The Question Concerning Technology” - Technology as a mode of revealing and risk • Norbert Wiener and Cybernetics - Control, feedback, and the birth of informational systems • Gilbert Simondon’s Technical Objects - Individuation, invention, and the evolution of machines
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Understand key philosophical approaches to technology and their historical context • Explore how AI, cybernetics, and the internet transform subjectivity and social structures • Critically analyse philosophical texts and apply their insights to contemporary issues in technology and media
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is aimed at students who have some familiarity with contemporary continental philosophy. In general, an open mind and willingness to listen to ideas with which you may not always agree are more important than specific levels of skill.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will adopt a seminar style, offering students ample opportunity to discuss and debate. Short excerpts will be provided to read during class and at home.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Students will be expected to engage with readings at home each week. Texts will be supplied by the tutor, and there will be no expectation to purchase them.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You might be interested in Daniel's next course, 21st century philosophical movements: exploring new intellectual frontiers (HP253).
Daniel holds a PhD from the Centre for Research in Modern European Philosophy (CRMEP), where he wrote his dissertation on the work of philosopher Gilles Deleuze. Daniel specializes in 20th and 21st century Continental Philosophy, particularly the works of Deleuze, Michel Foucault, and Jacques Derrida. His teaching is defined by an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to critically engage with complex philosophical ideas and apply them to broader questions in politics, aesthetics, and cultural theory. Daniel strives to create an inclusive and stimulating environment where students are encouraged to think critically, directly engage with philosophical texts, and explore new possibilities for understanding the world.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/philosophy-and-technology-the-birth-of-the-internet-and-ai2681319Philosophy and technology: the birth of the internet and AIhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/pre-socratic-philosophers-HP125-1024.jpg239239GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Philosophy22851177140415791228511771404<p>We examine how key philosophers have shaped our understanding of technology, from the invention of cybernetics to the rise of the internet and artificial intelligence, with close readings of Kant, Heidegger, Wiener, and Simondon.</p>003071092Philosophy and technology: the birth of the internet and AI239239https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/pre-socratic-philosophers-HP125-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-02-04T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allFeb 2027Culture, history & humanitiesHP276239239Philosophy and technology: the birth of the internet and AI191155239Daniel Weizmanphilosophy-and-technology-the-birth-of-the-internet-and-ai/hp276-2627<p>We examine how key philosophers have shaped our understanding of technology, from the invention of cybernetics to the rise of the internet and artificial intelligence, with close readings of Kant, Heidegger, Wiener, and Simondon.</p>0000-Available|2027-02-04 00:00:00<p>This course explores how philosophy has engaged with the emergence of modern technologies - from cybernetics to the internet and artificial intelligence - by focusing on key thinkers across modern and contemporary thought. Beginning with Kant’s ideas about technics and reason, we move through Heidegger’s reflections on the essence of technology, Wiener’s foundational work in cybernetics, and Simondon’s theory of technical objects. The course provides a conceptual framework to understand how machines, networks, and algorithms have transformed the way we live, perceive, and think. </p><p>We examine how key philosophers have shaped our understanding of technology, from the invention of cybernetics to the rise of the internet and artificial intelligence, with close readings of Kant, Heidegger, Wiener, and Simondon.</p><p>Kant and Technics - The relation between tools, reason, and human autonomy<br>• Heidegger’s “The Question Concerning Technology” - Technology as a mode of revealing and risk<br>• Norbert Wiener and Cybernetics - Control, feedback, and the birth of informational systems<br>• Gilbert Simondon’s Technical Objects - Individuation, invention, and the evolution of machines<br> </p><p>• Understand key philosophical approaches to technology and their historical context<br>• Explore how AI, cybernetics, and the internet transform subjectivity and social structures<br>• Critically analyse philosophical texts and apply their insights to contemporary issues in technology and media<br> </p><p>This course is aimed at students who have some familiarity with contemporary continental philosophy. In general, an open mind and willingness to listen to ideas with which you may not always agree are more important than specific levels of skill.</p><p>The course will adopt a seminar style, offering students ample opportunity to discuss and debate. Short excerpts will be provided to read during class and at home.</p><p>Students will be expected to engage with readings at home each week. Texts will be supplied by the tutor, and there will be no expectation to purchase them. </p><p>You might be interested in Daniel's next course, 21st century philosophical movements: exploring new intellectual frontiers (HP253).</p>Philosophy, religion, & ideasPhilosophyvirtual191239155HP276NONEThu04/02/27 - 25/03/2715:00 - 17:0015:0017:008 sessions (over 8 weeks)85-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetDaniel WeizmanBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2027-02-04T00:00:00+00:00Feb 2027Culture, history & humanities239239Philosophy and technology: the birth of the internet and AIphilosophy-and-technology-the-birth-of-the-internet-and-ai/hp276-2627<p>We examine how key philosophers have shaped our understanding of technology, from the invention of cybernetics to the rise of the internet and artificial intelligence, with close readings of Kant, Heidegger, Wiener, and Simondon.</p>0000-Available|2027-02-04 00:00:00<p>This course explores how philosophy has engaged with the emergence of modern technologies - from cybernetics to the internet and artificial intelligence - by focusing on key thinkers across modern and contemporary thought. Beginning with Kant’s ideas about technics and reason, we move through Heidegger’s reflections on the essence of technology, Wiener’s foundational work in cybernetics, and Simondon’s theory of technical objects. The course provides a conceptual framework to understand how machines, networks, and algorithms have transformed the way we live, perceive, and think. </p><p>We examine how key philosophers have shaped our understanding of technology, from the invention of cybernetics to the rise of the internet and artificial intelligence, with close readings of Kant, Heidegger, Wiener, and Simondon.</p><p>Kant and Technics - The relation between tools, reason, and human autonomy<br>• Heidegger’s “The Question Concerning Technology” - Technology as a mode of revealing and risk<br>• Norbert Wiener and Cybernetics - Control, feedback, and the birth of informational systems<br>• Gilbert Simondon’s Technical Objects - Individuation, invention, and the evolution of machines<br> </p><p>• Understand key philosophical approaches to technology and their historical context<br>• Explore how AI, cybernetics, and the internet transform subjectivity and social structures<br>• Critically analyse philosophical texts and apply their insights to contemporary issues in technology and media<br> </p><p>This course is aimed at students who have some familiarity with contemporary continental philosophy. In general, an open mind and willingness to listen to ideas with which you may not always agree are more important than specific levels of skill.</p><p>The course will adopt a seminar style, offering students ample opportunity to discuss and debate. Short excerpts will be provided to read during class and at home.</p><p>Students will be expected to engage with readings at home each week. Texts will be supplied by the tutor, and there will be no expectation to purchase them. </p><p>You might be interested in Daniel's next course, 21st century philosophical movements: exploring new intellectual frontiers (HP253).</p>Philosophy, religion, & ideasPhilosophyconfigurable
15791404Philosophyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/philosophy-religion-belief/philosophy1/2/285/1177/1404/15791/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Philosophy
