General information
Instructor
Here is more information about ProfLotz
Class Meetings
Days: MW
Time: 12:40 AM – 2:30 PM
Place: Snyder Hall C302
Office
Phone: 517.355.4490 [dept.])
Place: 503 South Kedzie Hall
Hours: M, 3-5:30pm
Other Contact
E-mail: lotz@msu.edu
Home Phone: please ask
Webpage: http://christianlotz.info
Box
You will find my box in the front office of the philosophy department (SK 503)
Schedule
Introduction
Jan 13, No class
ProfLotz is out of town
Jan 15, Introduction
Jan 20, MLK Day
No class
Section I: Technology & Philosophical Anthropology & History
Jan 22, Technology as Process
Jonas, Towards a Philosophy of Technology
Jan 27, Technology as Process
Jonas, Towards a Philosophy of Technology
Reading Quiz 1
Jan 29, Technology & The Human
Gehlen, Man and Technique
Feb 3, History of Philosophy & Technology
Blumenberg, The Relationship between Nature and Technology as a Philosophical Problem
Reading Quiz 2
Feb 5, History of Philosophy & Technology
Blumenberg, The Relationship between Nature and Technology as a Philosophical Problem
Feb 10, Cyborgs
Haraway, A Manifesto for Cyborgs: Science, Technology, and Socialist Feminism in the 1980s
Reading Quiz 3
Section II: Technology & Society
Feb 12, Technology and Capital
Marx, Communist Manifesto, Sections 1&2
https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1848/communist-manifesto/
Feb 17, Machinery and Labor
Marx, Capital, chapter 15, sections 1-4
Reading Quiz 4
Feb 19, Technology as Relation
Harvey, What Technology Reveals (Commentary on Marx)
Feb 24, Technology and Social Domination
Marcuse, Some Social Implications of Modern Technology
Reading Quiz 5
Feb 26, No class
Class cancelled on 2/25 via email and D2L
Mar 3, Break
No class
Mar 5, Break
No class
Mar 10, Technology and Ideology
Habermas, Science and Technology as Ideology
Mar 12, Technolgy and Design Bias
Feenberg, The Bias of Technology
Reading Quiz 6 (moved from Mar 10!!)
Session IV: Technology & Metaphysics
Mar 17, Technology as Enframing
Heidegger, The Question Concerning Technology
Reading Quiz 7
Mar 19, Technology as Enframing
Heidegger, The Question Concerning Technology
Mar 24, Technology as Enframing
Heidegger, The Question Concerning Technology
Packer/Reeves, Killer Apps, excerpt
Section III: Technology & Modern Life
Mar 26, The Device Paradigm
Borgmann, Technology and the Character of Contemporary Life, sections 8-12
Reading Quiz 8 (moved from March 24!)
Mar 31, No Class
ProfLotz gives lecture at Wabash College
Apr 2, Technology and Social Order
Borgmann, Technology and the Character of Contemporary Life, sections 13-16
Apr 7, The Reform of Technology
Borgmann, Technology and the Character of Contemporary Life, sections 17-19
Reading Quiz 9
Apr 9, No class
ProfLotz gives lecture at Utah Valley University
Apr 14, Focal Things and Practices
Borgmann, Technology and the Character of Contemporary Life, section 20 & 22-23
Reading Quiz 10
Apr 16, Focal Things and Practices
Borgmann, Technology and the Character of Contemporary Life, section 20 & 22-23
Apr 21, Wrap Up
Apr 23, Wrap Up
Final Paper Due
Monday, April 28 12:40pm via D2L
Course Description
“The quantification of nature, which led to its explication in terms of mathematical structures, separated reality from all inherent ends and, consequently, separated the true from the good, science from ethics” (Marcuse).
In this reading-intense seminar we will read central texts in philosophy of technology. We will read and discuss classical texts and theories – and won’t deal with a lot of contemporary topics and issues. The class will be divided into three sections: technology and philosophical anthropology, technology and society, technology and metaphysics. In addition, we will read an important text by the most important US philosopher on technology, Albert Borgmann.
Note
This is a 300-level course in philosophy and, as such, contains difficult material and requires mature students. If you are not willing to study dense written material, listen to unusual lectures, and discuss ideas in an organized fashion, then you should not take this class. This class can be taken by students without prior knowledge in philosophy, but you should not take this class if you are not an avid reader. If you believe that AI can replace your reading and thinking, then drop this class.
Course Goals
This class should students introduce to
- central issues in the philosophy of technology
- how to read major figures of philosophy
- how to think beyond a naturalistically and scientifically reduced world view
- how to think critically about general conceptions of technology
- realize how ridiculous it is to identify technology as a set of gadgets
Note
Students should be aware of the fact that this course is based on difficult texts. Accordingly, this class requires self-responsible learners and an intense confrontation with the primary text. Accordingly, if you are not excited about the prospect of a daily confrontation with abstract and historical reflections, then you should not take this class. This class is not based on a set of fixed knowledge and, as such, is not based on a behavioral idea of education; rather, we will try to learn together and critically examine the material. The instructor of this class does not have anything to teach, and a lot to learn.
Required Texts
- all texts will be posted on D2L
- I recommend getting the Borgmann book on paper
- If you are a philosophy minor or major, get Heidegger’s Basic Writings and Marcuse’s One Dimensional Man on paper
There is no need for electronic devices in this class. All we do is to read and to think. For that Apple and Microsoft are not necessary. In fact, they stand in the way of thinking. Research has shown that reading comprehension tends to improve when done with paper copies. Research has also shown that taking notes on electronic devices is unproductive.
Accordingly, I recommend printing the material out and bringing it to class.
Course Requirements
- Daily reading and studying
- Participation in class
- 5 class response sheets
- 1 final essay assignment
- 10 Monday reading quizzes
Note
The class and my lectures are solely based on the texts selected for class and require a thorough study and preparation of the material. I will primarily lecture on the readings, which will help you to more fully understand the texts. Therefore it is not sufficient for students to come to class without having prepared the texts. And indeed, in the assignments you have to demonstrate whether you have appropriately prepared the readings selected for each lecture.
Note
Every academic misconduct, such as plagiarism, will – without exception – lead to a failing grade in class. The usage of AI for writing papers is not permitted. Check the Ombudsman’s page (see also note below on plagiarism): https://www.msu.edu/~ombud/
Attendance
To get a good grade in this class, regular attendance is required. I will not call roll. Hence, it is up to you to come to class or not. However, if you do not come to class on a regular basis and participate in the class discussion, it is impossible for you to achieve a good grade in this class; so coming to class is your responsibility and your call. If you choose to attend class, please come on time, turn off cell phones and other electronic devices that interfere with your (and others’) concentration, have the reading prepared and be ready to participate. If you are not prepared, do not bother showing up. It is a sign of disrespect to your peers and the instructor to attend class unprepared. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to obtain class notes from a fellow student and to catch up on reading. Nevertheless, please be aware that you should not make me responsible for a failure that results out of your decision. You should be aware that chances to master this class are minimal, if you do not show up for class or if you do not prepare the readings (=studying).
Cell Phone Policy
Please completely remove your cell phones from tables when class begins. Please do not text under the table. Failure to follow this policy will lead to a lower grade (at the digression of the instructor).
Assignments
Class Response Sheets
Every student is asked to submit 5 class response sheets during the semester. You decide when you’d like to turn in a response sheet. Response sheets must be submitted to D2L by the end of the day of the selected class. Late submissions will not be accepted. Please use the folllwing form for all 5 of your responses.
Final Assignment
There will be a final take-home exam or final paper (1800 words).
In-Class Assignments
There will be unannounced, spontaneous, group assignments in class. Students wo miss class will lose the points for the assignment.
Reading Quizzes
There will be a reading quiz in class on ten Mondays. Two quizzes will be dropped (this includes possible dates on which I wave the reading quiz). If you miss more than 2 Mondays, you will lose points.
Make-Up Assignments
Students who need to miss assignments for excusable reasons, such as a death in their families, MSU related business, emergency weather conditions, or medical reasons, must inform me, and will be permitted to make up assignments.
Course Evaluation
Assignments
| Final paper / Final Take-Home | 20 points |
| Participation | 15 points |
| 5 class response sheets | 20 points |
| Reading quizzes | 20 points |
| In-class assignments | 25 points |
| ——– | |
| 100 points | |
Grading
| 4.0 (=A) | 100 – 93 |
| 3.5 | 92 – 87 |
| 3 (=B) | 86 – 82 |
| 2.5 | 81 – 77 |
| 2 (=C) | 76 – 72 |
| 1.5 | 71 – 65 |
| 1.0 (=D) | 64 – 60 |
| 0.0 | < 60 |
GENERIC SYLLABUS (might not be applicable to each class)
Laptop/Cell Phone/Tablet Policy
You are not permitted to use laptops or cell phones in class, unless needed for medical reasons. In this case you need to bring a RCPD document. Please do not text under the table. Cell phones should be removed from tables. Failure to follow this policy will lead to unannounced assignments in class or loss of points (at the digression of the instructor).
Class Attendance
As mentioned above, I do not employ in my classes a class attendance policy. Having said this, you should be aware that class attendance is very important. When engaging in a philosophical and humanistic dialogue it is necessary to be an active and present participant in the ongoing discussion. If you miss class please do not email me asking if you missed anything important. Every class is important. You should get a study buddy for the class; a student in class who will inform you of what you missed. If you miss a class you can come to my office hours or make an appointment to discuss the material, providing you have read the material and you simply want to see if your understanding of the material is on target. Time in office hours will not be used to repeat the class lectures.
Grading Criteria + Paper Writing Tips
Check out this page for grading criteria, example of assignments, etc.
Online Research Sources
Unfortunately, some people think that the internet as such is a reliable source of information. If you decide to use online sources for additional information or your paper then do not just use one of the common internet search engines, such as Google; rather, use reliable academic sources, such as Britannica Online, or the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. The Internet Ecyclopedia of Philosophy isn’t very good, but still acceptable. Check out MSU’s library resources! And, as with other sources, you must cite any online sources to which you refer in your essay.
Writing Center Information
MSU’s writing center offers excellent help on all matters regarding writing and learning. Check the website at http://writing.msu.edu for an overview and hours. For more information, please call 517.432.3610 or send an e-mail to writing@msu.edu.
Grief Absence Policy
I follow MSU’s general grief absence policy, which can be found here.
Integrity of Scholarship and Grades (Plagiarism)
The following statement of University policy addresses principles and procedures to be used in instances of academic dishonesty, violations of professional standards, and falsification of academic or admission records, herein after referred to as academic misconduct. [See General Student Regulation 1.00, Protection of Scholarship and Grades.]
Academic Honesty
Article 2.3.3 of the Academic Freedom Report states that “The student shares with the faculty the responsibility for maintaining the integrity of scholarship, grades, and professional standards.” In addition, the (insert name of unit offering course) adheres to the policies on academic honesty as specified in General Student Regulations 1.0, Protection of Scholarship and Grades; the all-University Policy on Integrity of Scholarship and Grades; and Ordinance 17.00, Examinations. (See Spartan Life: Student Handbook and Resource Guide and/or the MSU Web site: www.msu.edu) Therefore, unless authorized by your instructor, you are expected to complete all course assignments, including homework, lab work, quizzes, tests and exams, without assistance from any source. You are expected to develop original work for this course; therefore, you may not submit course work completed for another course to satisfy the requirements for this course. Students who violate MSU rules may receive a penalty grade, including but not limited to a failing grade on the assignment or in the course. Contact your instructor if you are unsure about the appropriateness of your course work. (See also https://www.msu.edu/~ombud/)
Plagiarism, from the Ombudsman’s page
Plagiarism (from the Latin plagiarius, an abductor, and plagiare, to steal) is defined by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy on Misconduct in Research (take that!) as “ . . . the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results or words without giving appropriate credit.”
Accidental or Unintentional
One may not even know that they are plagiarizing. It is the student’s responsibility to make certain that they understand the difference between quoting and paraphrasing, as well as the proper way to cite material.
Blatant
Here, students are well aware that they are plagiarizing. Purposefully using someone else’s ideas or work without proper acknowledgment is plagiarism. This includes turning in borrowed or bought research papers as one’s own.
Self
Turning in the same term paper (or substantially the same paper) for two courses without getting permission from one’s instructor is plagiarism.
The Spartan Code of Honor
Student leaders have recognized the challenging task of discouraging plagiarism from the academic community. The Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU) is proud to be launching the Spartan Code of Honor academic pledge, focused on valuing academic integrity and honest work ethics at Michigan State University. The pledge reads as follows:
“As a Spartan, I will strive to uphold values of the highest ethical standard. I will practice honesty in my work, foster honesty in my peers, and take pride in knowing that honor is worth more than grades. I will carry these values beyond my time as a student at Michigan State University, continuing the endeavor to build personal integrity in all that I do.”
The Spartan Code of Honor academic pledge embodies the principles of integrity that every Spartan is required to uphold in their time as a student, and beyond. The academic pledge was crafted with inspiration of existing individual college honor codes, establishing an overarching statement for the entire university. It was formally adopted by ASMSU on March 3, 2016, endorsed by Academic Governance on March 22, 2016, and recognized by the Provost, President, and Board of Trustees on April 15, 2016.
SIRS Evaluations
Michigan State University takes seriously the opinion of students in the evaluation of the effectiveness of instruction and has implemented the Student Instructional Rating System (SIRS) to gather student feedback (https://sirsonline.msu.edu). This course utilizes the online SIRS system, and you will receive an e-mail during the last two weeks of class asking you to fill out the SIRS web form at your convenience. In addition, participation in the online SIRS system involves grade sequestration, which means that the final grade for this course will not be accessible on STUINFO during the week following the submission of grades for this course unless the SIRS online form has been completed. Alternatively, you have the option on the SIRS website to decline to participate in the evaluation of the course. We hope, however, that you will be willing to give us your frank and constructive feedback so that we may instruct students even better in the future. If you access the online SIRS website and complete the online SIRS form or decline to participate, you will receive the final grade in this course as usual once final grades are submitted.
Social Media and Sharing of Course Materials
As members of a learning community, students are expected to respect the intellectual property of course instructors. All course materials presented to students are the copyrighted property of the course instructor and are subject to the following conditions of use:
- Students may record lectures or any other classroom activities and use the recordings only for their own course-related purposes.
- Students may share the recordings with other students enrolled in the class. Sharing is limited to using the recordings only for their own course-related purposes.
- Students may post the recordings or other course materials online or distribute them to anyone not enrolled in the class with the advance written permission of the course instructor and, if applicable, any students whose voice or image is included in the recordings.
- Any student violating the conditions described above may face academic disciplinary sanctions.
Student Support Program (SSP)
Michigan State University is offering all MSU students access to counseling support 24/7/365 through My SSP: Student Support Program. My SSP is free to all MSU students. My SSP is confidential, and can help with:
- Adapting to new challenges
- Being successful at school
- Relationships with friends and family
- Practical issues with studying
- Stress, sadness, loneliness, and more
The My SSP professional counselors are available to help anytime, anywhere with:
- Immediate support by phone and chat
- Ongoing support by appointment via phone and video
- In addition, culturally relevant support is available in the language of the caller’s choice.
There are multiple options for connecting with a My SSP counselor:
- Download the free My SSP app on Google Play or iTunes
- Chat online at http://us.myissp.com
- Call 1-866-743-7732
- From outside North America, call 001.416.380.657
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities should contact the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities to establish reasonable accommodations. For an appointment with a counselor, call 353-9642 (voice) or 355-1293 (TTY)
Drops and Adds
The last day to add this course is the end of the first week of classes. The last day to drop this course with a 100 percent refund and no grade reported is (see Academic Calendar). The last day to drop this course with no refund and no grade reported is (see Academic Calendar). You should immediately make a copy of your amended schedule to verify you have added or dropped this course.
Note on Attendance
Students who fail to attend the first four class sessions or class by the fifth day of the semester, whichever occurs first, may be dropped from the course.
Christian Lotz 