Debating Technological Revolutions: The Steam Engine vs. AI

4.0 credits · Undergraduate

The course aims to put the current AI “revolution” in historical context by examining in depth the so-called first industrial revolution, which began in Britain and spread around the world from c. 1780-1880. Covers major debates over the causes and consequences of this global economic and social transformation. Special attention will be paid to key topics within current debates about AI and society. Example topics include: the idea of "progress," cultures and ethics of innovation, the politics and economics of new technology, the meaning and social value of work, technological determinism, the state-corporate relationship, ideologies and practices of resistance movements. Note: Tuesday class sessions are 2.5hr collective study halls and Thursday class sessions are 50-minute lectures.