Integrating STS methods in ethics education
Traditional moral theories do not make sense to the students or students cannot apply theoretical ethics to the field of technology.
The instructor made use of STS (and sociology) approaches. She first discusses that technology is a social construction, technology and society shape one another and then moves further to the discussion of values that are at interplay in the human-technology relations. This way there occurs a transition to ethical discussions on conflicting values, universality of values, possible actions to take and the like. It helps a lot to conclude the course by connecting to the concept of “participatory design”, which resonates well with engineering students. To exemplify concepts like Responsible Research and Innovation, Citizen Juries and Townhall Meetings can be emphasized.
Course “Science, Technology and Society”, semester-long
Engineering
Bilkent University, Türkiye