[PhilosophyEvents] New Major Approved in Science, Technology, and Ethics

[Carolyn Jennings]

Dear Philosophy Community and Supporters,

I just received word that our new major and minor in Science, Technology, and Ethics (STE) was approved. Here are some details from the proposal:


  *   Navigating socio-technical challenges, from AI to climate to zoonotic disease, requires a sophisticated understanding of both technical and humanistic perspectives. Artificial intelligence researchers have publicly called for a better understanding of the risks associated with AI, whereas climate change requires an appreciation of climate justice and differential impact. At UC Merced we have new and growing programs in Data Science, Public Health, and Environmental Science that are well positioned for engagement with an ethics-focused program, such as STE. This program will educate the next generation of thought leaders on these issues for careers in law, government, non-profits, and industry. Our university is uniquely situated for such a program given its location in a region confronting many of these problems and its fostering of interdisciplinarity.
  *   The mission of the proposed B.S. and Minor in Science, Technology, and Ethics is to impart an understanding of the ethical and political dimensions of science and technology. STE students will develop skills for ethical reflection and assessment of both scientific research and technological development, preparing them for careers in a variety of sectors, including government, non-profits, and NGOs. Along with courses in ethics, majors will gain depth in a particular area of science and technology, such as biology or data science. The STE program structure allows for both specialization and flexibility to accommodate students with interests in a variety of STEM fields.
  *   The STE major offers students a distinctive combination of STEM and humanities. On the one hand, students gain nearly the equivalent of a minor in a STEM field of their choice, with 12 upper division units and an additional 8–24 units of lower-division prerequisites (depending on the STEM field chosen). On the other hand, students take 24 upper-division units (6 courses) in “broad sense STS,” courses in the humanities and social sciences that analyze the ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) raised by novel technologies and scientific developments. In the final year, for the senior capstone experience, students develop a case study of ELSI in their chosen STEM field, synthesizing the two sides of their training.

We look forward to welcoming our first majors in Fall 2025. Look out for more information about this exciting new program in the coming year.

Cheers,
Carolyn Dicey Jennings


[signature_4001152364]
CAROLYN DICEY JENNINGS
she/her/hers

PROFESSOR and Chair
Department of PHILOSOPHY<https://philosophy.ucmerced.edu/>

5200 Lake Road | Merced, California 95343
http://faculty.ucmerced.edu/cjennings3/ |209.600.9654
BUILDING THE FUTURE IN THE HEART OF CALIFORNIA

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