Module manager: Joshua Habgood-Coote
Email: J.Habgood-Coote@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The philosophy of technology asks questions about what technology is and its relationship to human freedom and capabilities. Advocates of technology assume that we are locked into a continuous process of technological progress which will gradually increase human capabilities. Critics of technologies have a tendency to present technology as a totalising system which restricts human freedom via enframing, surveillance, or the inculcation of false desires. Some reject technology wholesale, advocating a return to a pre-modern way of life. In this course we will draw on philosophical theories of technology (such as instrumentalism, substantivism, critical theory, feminism, critical race theory, phenomenology, Luddism, and Marxism) and philosophical discussions of issues with specific technologies (such as cameras, bridges, soap-dispensers, washing machines, dams, weaving machines, so-called Artificial intelligence, and social media platforms) to understand the ways in which specific technologies relate to human values. This course brings together ideas from several different parts of philosophy, including applied philosophy, ethics and political philosophy, social philosophy, continental philosophy, feminist philosophy, and critical philosophy of race. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
The purpose of this module is to introduce you to philosophical approaches to thinking about technology, contemporary issues relating to technology, and help you to critically and independently apply those approaches to pressing issues.
These objectives will be fulfilled through:
- Lectures introducing you to key theories, issues, and thinkers.
- Seminar preparation and participation where you will apply philosophical approaches to technology, with your peers, supporting you to develop an independent approach.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1) Critically analyse some of the central theories, disagreements, and problems in the philosophy of technology.
2) Insightfully and charitably evaluate central texts in the philosophy of technology.
3) Apply theoretical analysis from the philosophy of technology to specific examples of contemporary technology.
4) Develop and defend your own stance on applied issues in the philosophy of technology.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5) Communicate ideas and understanding clearly and concisely, using appropriate academic language (Academic and Work Ready skill)
6) Undertake independent research to identify, evaluate and synthesise relevant material to support knowledge and analysis of topics (Academic, Work-Ready, Digital skill)
7) Identify ethical questions and use ethical frameworks when analysing issues arising in real-world contexts (Work Ready, Enterprise and Sustainability skill)
Example topics include: theories of technology (Heidegger, Marcuse, Benjamin), the ethics of machine breaking, whether and how we can gain knowledge by relying on technology, technology and racism, feminist perspectives on technology, and artificial intelligence.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminars | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 180 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
In addition to the formative feedback available to students in student hours and seminar-based activities, each student is invited to complete ONE piece of formative work which will receive written feedback.
Students are given a choice of: essay plan, literature review or exposition of an argument.
Students should read and reflect on (i) the feedback they received in previous summative assessments, (ii) the PRHS marking criteria and (iii) the specific guidance provided on the summative assessment in this module, and identify for themselves the type of formative feedback that will be most beneficial for them.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Resit will be by the same methodology as the first attempt. Students will select a different essay question from the list provided.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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