Course

Ancient Modern Technology

 Prathima Muniyappa

David S. Kong, Director, Community Biotechnology Initiative; Research Scientist
Andre Uhl, Former Ethics and Governance of AI, External Collaborator
MAS.S62
6 Units (seminar)
Wednesdays, 5-7 pm
E15-341

Description

Scientific practice is inseparable from the ways in which we choose to represent the world. From indigenous land management that honors spirits in nature, over traditional Chinese medicine that visualizes the body as an ecosystem, to Japanese robotics design that produces artificial companions—our diverse cultural identities, norms, and values intimately shape how science is developed, applied, and accepted. 

At a time where the quest for ethical standards has become a shared concern of many scientific communities, we want to challenge prevalent science-culture distinctions and develop a more holistic, inter-cultural perspective to redefine ethics for the age of global participation.

This peer-to-peer co-learning course offers a unique opportunity to join a diverse cohort of graduate students and researchers to collectively explore the cultural and spiritual dimensions of scientific practice. We will revisit the millennia of virtues and wisdom embedded in our own traditions and reflect together on how these can inform our growth as science-activists who lead the change we wish to see.

A multidisciplinary array of visiting mentors will offer presentations and skill-building workshops. Selected lectures will be open to the public.

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