Prometheus’ Problems
Think and drink at this philosophical café
Can an algorithm be racist? If a self-driving car causes an accident, who is responsible?
These are the kinds of questions that will be discussed at our brand new philosophical café Prometheus’ Problems! At this monthly event, students, professors and external experts will exchange thoughts about philosophical and ethical themes related to engineering, modern technology and its impact on society. Importantly, the themes are based upon questions put forward by students themselves. A discussion in a comfortable setting, with a drink at hand.
First event on April 28th: ‘Should an engineer work for the military?’
Want to know the answer? Come and join us on Wednesday April 28, 16.00-18.00!
The first philosophical café focuses upon moral questions related to engineering for the military. We invited three speakers who all have their own expertise about this theme: Christine Boshuijzen (UNSW, ADFA), David Abbink (TU Delft) and Frank Slijper (PAX). Each will give a presentation, after which there will be a debate. The public is invited to ask questions and actively participate.
Speakers
Christine Boshuijzen – van Burken works as senior researcher at the Australian Defense Force Academy (ADFA). She wrote her PhD thesis at the TUDelft, on the role of technology on moral decision making in military operations. Moreover, besides her academic work, she serves as a reserve soldier at the Royal Netherlands Reserve Army.
David Abbink is professor in Haptic Human-Robot Interaction at the Department of Cognitive Robotics, Faculty of 3mE, TUDelft. His presentation will be about how to “keep humans in the loop” when it comes to automated technologies, both civilian and military.
Frank Slijper is project leader Arms Trade at peace organisation PAX. The last 25 years he has done extensive reasearch on the international trade in weapons, including reasearch and development of military technology.
Attending the event
The first session is on Wednesday April 28, 16.00-18.00 and takes place in the Central Hall of TU Delft Library.
Prometheus’ Problems is an initiative of Studium Generale and the Philosophy/Ethics of Technology section (TBM-VTI). Thanks to Lester Lardenoye, Sanne Helbers, Maud Adams en Trijsje Franssen!
