Cyborg Millennium

Entering the Cyborg Millennium
Transformation in Technology and Human Society

Last taught: Summer 2007, Portland State University

Course Description

This course explores the impact of twentieth century revolutions in information technology and genetics on our lives and on diverse cultures by looking at change in relationships, work, privacy, reproduction, and personal responsibility. From workplace surveillance to mail retrieval, from pre-natal genetic screening to cloning, from human consciousness to artificial intelligence, we examine the dangers, opportunities and ethical ambiguities inherent in new technologies. Through stories, films, case studies, art, books, and original projects, students will have a wide range of outlets through which to explore and express their own questions and ideas.

Class Goals

This course is designed to support the following four University Studies goals:

  • Inquiry and Critical Thinking
    Students will learn various modes of inquiry through interdisciplinary curricula –problem-posing, investigating, conceptualizing — in order to become active, self-motivated, and empowered learners.
  • Communication
    Students will enhance their capacity to communicate in various ways — writing, graphics, numeracy, and other visual and oral means — to collaborate effectively with others in group work, and to be competent in appropriate communication technologies.
  • The Diversity of Human Experience
    Students will enhance their appreciation for and understanding of the rich complexity of the human experience through the study of differences in ethnic and cultural perspectives, class, race, gender, sexual orientation, and ability.
  • Ethical Issues and Social Responsibility
    Students will expand their understanding of the impact and value of individuals and their choices on society, both intellectually and socially, through group projects and collaboration in learning communities.

Schedule

Date Topics Readings (done before class)
Mon-16-Jul Introductions; syllabus review; informal logic & argumentation None
Tue-17-Jul Neuroscience review; medical applications of neuroengineering Cochlear implants (MED-EL); deep brain stimulation (Johns Hopkins)

Wed-18-Jul

 Introduction to research None

Thu-19-Jul

 Neuroprosthetics & neuroenhancement Rosahl
Mon-23-Jul The embodied mind; autonomous agents; artificial intelligence Dennett; Miedaner
Tue-24-Jul Functionalism Searle
Wed-25-Jul Genetic engineering in medicine (knockouts? stem cells?) Kelly; Henderson; AP article on made-to-order defects
Thu-26-Jul Genetic engineering in industry BBSRC; Sierra Club
Mon-30-Jul Quiz; data analysis & visualization Chudler; Tufte
Tue-31-Jul Monitoring technologies, privacy, and individual rights Wahlin; HR 493 GINA
Wed-01-Aug Presentations  
Thu-02-Aug The science of science fiction: When will The Singularity arrive? Kurzweil

Assignments

Date Assignment (due at the beginning of class on this date)
Mon-16-Jul  
Tue-17-Jul  
Wed-18-Jul The year is 2075 CE. New medical applications of neuroengineering abound. Describe two of them.
Thu-19-Jul Refworks assignment
Mon-23-Jul What is the worst case scenario of neuro-enhancement? Its likelihood?
Tue-24-Jul Annotated bibliography and paper proposal
Wed-25-Jul Is there an essential difference between "natural" and "artificial" intelligence?
Thu-26-Jul  
Mon-30-Jul Humans have been historically cultivating, and thereby altering, plants and animals for thousands of years. Give 3-4 examples and discuss: Does it matter how we make such changes?
Tue-31-Jul Quantitative literacy assignment
Wed-01-Aug First draft of paper and 4-5 minute informal oral presentation.
Thu-02-Aug Research paper draft due.

Readings

Most of the assigned readings are available on the WebCT site for this course. A few others are available directly from the web, as shown below.

Neuroengineering

Artificial intelligence

  • Miedaner (1977) The Soul of Mark III Beast
  • Dennett (1978) Where Am I?
  • Hawkins J (2004) On Intelligence
  • Kurzweil R (2006) The Singularity is Near, pp. 85-94; 376-390; 435-450
  • Searle (1980) Minds, Brains, and Programs

Genetic engineering

  • Kelly K (2000) An Introduction to Gene Therapy
  • Sierra Club Position statement on genetic engineering
  • ISBR site on GM crops
  • BBSRC site on GM
  • NCBE site on GM

Data analysis and visualization

  • Tufte (1983) The Visual Display of Quantitative Information,
    pp. 94-95; 100-105; 53-77
  • Chudler – statistics

Technology, privacy, and individual rights

Grading

If you have a disability and are in need of academic accommodations, please notify me (the instructor) immediately to arrange needed support. Course grade will be based on the following:

Assignments 40%
Discussions 30%
Research paper draft & presentation 15%
Quiz 15%