Philosophy of Technology PhD programs?

[Ahmed]

Hi All,

 

So, a little bit of background first: I do not have a formal philosophy background - my masters is in Interaction Design, although I have read extensively across major works and philosophers. While doing my masters I became really interested in the work being done at the intersection of philosophy and technology, especially in ethics, by philosophers like Don Ihlde, Peter Paul Verbeek, Hubert Dreyfuss etc. I am now looking for good PhD programs with a heavy emphasis on technology and continental philosophy (my grad work was on Heidegger's importance to design theory). Any suggestions?

 

Thanks!

[maxhgns]

No clue: that's not really one of the recognised subfields. You should, however, start by having a look at the programs where those people teach. Those are likely to be your best options.

[ZiggyPhil]

I think it's safe to assume that there will not be any PhD programs that specialize in such a specific area.  So, it seems that your best bet would be to look into primarily continental programs (lots of places to find that info) with one person who has interest in that area (I really doubt you'll find more than one at any particular school).  SUNY Stony Brook, for example, would fit both criteria, since that is where Ihlde teaches.  

[philstudent1991]

Well. Dreyfuss for instance is at Berkeley, and there's no way you're getting into Berkeley without a background in philosophy. Consider MA programs to see if it's something you're prepared to make a deep commitment to.

[Monadology]

Well. Dreyfuss for instance is at Berkeley, and there's no way you're getting into Berkeley without a background in philosophy. Consider MA programs to see if it's something you're prepared to make a deep commitment to.

 

Also, Dreyfus may very well be retiring soon. He'll be turning 85 this year. 

[Ahmed]

Most of the good philosophy of tech programs seem to be in Europe. Stonybrook with Ihlde seems to be a possibility...Rensaeller also has Langdon Winner so that might be worth applying to too.

[ZiggyPhil]

Most of the good philosophy of tech programs seem to be in Europe. Stonybrook with Ihlde seems to be a possibility...Rensaeller also has Langdon Winner so that might be worth applying to too.

 

Oh certainly.  If you're interested in continental thinkers and you have the necessary language(s), European programs are going to be very attractive - most on this board (myself included) simply don't know enough about European PhD programs to be of help. 

[FeministLibrarian]

What about the MA program at Virginia Tech? Joseph Pitt works primarily in philosophy of science and technology. I believe Michigan State is also friendly to this sort of research, though perhaps from a more environmental angle.

 

You might also look at interdisciplinary programs that suit your interests and are housed at institutions with strong philosophy departments. NYU's PhD in Media, Culture, and Communication springs to mind; for ethics and technology (esp. values in design), Helen Nissenbaum is amazing. Science and Technology Studies programs could also potentially be a good fit. Rensselaer has a very good one, though admittedly I don't know anything about the philosophy department there. I think Cornell's STS program is also strong.

 

One last suggestion: look up authors of the more recent publications cited in the SEP Philosophy of Technology entry. This can be a good way to get the lay of the land, department-wise.

Edited April 9, 2014 by FeministLibrarian

[Establishment]

University of North Texas (MA/PhD) and University of Montana (MA) have graduate programs concerned with environmental philosophy, where work in philosophy of technology would be well appreciated.

[Ahmed]

Thanks a lot everyone for the suggestions! Will definitely check these programs out - I've started taking classes in German and am looking at European programs as well.