Philosophy and ethics of technology in teaching

In our classes, we investigate the classical positions in Ethics and Philosophy of Technology as well as concrete case studies. The courses belong to the academic subject Philosophy (two- subject Bachelor’s and Cultural Studies Master’s programme) as well as Bachelor’s and Master’s of Education. In addition they are open to students from other Faculties, either as a supplementary subject for Bachelor’s programmes in Computer Science and Mathematics or via the ‘Studium Generale’. When taking these courses, it is particularly important to develop a source-critical view, since a wide variety of actors with diverse expertise and motives write and speak about combat drones, social bots, algorithmic decision-making systems or genetically modified organisms, for example. Another challenge is to relate theoretically reflected ethical positions and arguments to the respective case studies.

Current courses

Winter semester 23/24

Lectures:

  • Alpsancar: Philosophy of the Digital

Seminars:

  • Alpsancar: John Rawls, Justice as Fairness
  • Thomas: Revisiting the Linguistic Turn: Language in the Mirror of Language AIs

Information for Students

Dear students,

this FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)— is intended to make it easier for you to find orientation during your philosophy studies at the University of Paderborn. Please note that some of the following questions are adjusted to courses given by Dr. Alpsancar and do not necessarily apply to other lecturers.

Nevertheless, you find the most common questions as well as helpful links at the end of the document, that provide help concerning aspects outside the philosophy department. We wish you good luck in your future studies!

FAQ

How do I register for exams (Studien-/Prüfungsleistung)?

Your register via the Paderborner Assistenzsystem für Universität und Lehre (PAUL).

Log in and click on the item Exam Information, where you find Exam Registration.

How do I register for a course belatedly?

Within the first weeks there will be a list for you to enter your Name and student number Therefore, it is important for you to attend also without official registration. If there is available space you can participate.

Where do I find my examination regulation?

Consider the following link to find help:

kw.uni-paderborn.de/studium/pruefungsordnungen

 

I have questions or issues with PAUL – who can I contact for help?

If you have any questions or problems with PAUL, please contact the study office of your faculty—in this case for cultural studies:

kw.uni-paderborn.de/studium/studienbuero-kw

 

How can I find my seminar room?

The seminar room is always given in PAUL; use the PAUL app to be more flexible. For orientation on campus, please look at the map or simply ask fellow students on site: upb.de/universitaet/anreise-lageplan/

 

What do I have to consider when submitting my work?

Please make sure that all relevant personal information are included and clearly readable (name, student number, etc.). Check your submission for completeness in terms of content and other documents e.g., exam certificate template or declaration of independency.

Where can I submit my work?

Submission modalities are usually announced and explained by Dr. Alpsancar at the beginning of the semester. Principally, you can always submit elaborations such as essays, protocols or papers – in printed form- to Karina Kuppe (N2.113).

When will I get my grade?

Your grades are usually registered towards the end of the current semester or at the beginning of the following semester.

I need an exam certificate, where can I find it?

Where do I get back my exam certificates?

You receive them in the service office of the faculty of philosophy in room N2.106.

How do I come up with a topic for a scientific work?

For this we recommend you to look at the document  ”Guidelines for writing a scientific paper in the subject of philosophy”.

How do I write an academic paper?

Again we refer to ”Guidelines for writing a scientific paper in the subject of philosophy“. However, you can also familiarize yourself with certain literature independently, for instance:

Flatscher, Matthias, Gerald Posselt, und Anja Weiberg. 2018. Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten im Philosophiestudium. 2. Auflage. Wien: facultas. (Available at UPB library)

How do I cite correctly?

Inform yourself about the different styles of citation and -in best case- which style is suitable for your field of study / faculty. Furthermore, we recommend to have another look at the Guidelines, especially at the section concerning citation and application.

I am struggling with writing in general— where do I find support?

If you have problems concerning the content, a discussion with your lecturer is usually very helpful. In case of writing-related questions we suggest to turn to the University Writing Center: upb.de/universitaet/kompetenzzentrum-schreiben

 

Where do I find guidelines and formalities?

In principle, you find formalities for protocols and other writings in the respective PANDA-course.  Specifications regarding expected performance can be found in your examination regulations. Again, we recommend you the Guidelines.

Who do I contact in case of additional questions?

At the end of this document you will find links to additional FAQs. Moreover, you can use the Guide to the Faculty of Arts and Humanities in case of any specific questions: https://kw.uni-paderborn.de/studium/studienbuero-kw/kw-wegweiser

If you are looking for a personal contact, you are welcome to ask lectures, consult the secretary or turn to a student assistents Falls Sie eine persönlichere Ansprechperson suchen, fragen Sie gerne das Lehrpersonal im Fach oder auch die Sekretariate und Hilfskräfte.

Who can I contact in case of a difficult or impaired phases, that is restricting my studies?

Turn to the Student Advice Center of our Paderborn University: zsb.uni-paderborn.de/

 

Where do I find additional help apart from this FAQ? Are there other resources to consult for general questions concerning the faculty of arts and humanities?

As mentioned above, please feel free to refer to the links listed below. There you will find further FAQs, explanations of abbreviations and terms used in everyday university life, as well as forms that you may need.