UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2025-2026

Program: Minor in Philosophy and Emerging Technologies

Program Description

The Minor in Philosophy and Emerging Technologies provides a focused program of study in philosophy for students interested in the nature of science and scientific discovery, the ethics of emerging technologies, and the role of technology in both philosophical reasoning and everyday life. It is an excellent complement to a broad range of majors, from Engineering and Computer Science to Biology, Journalism, Anthropology, and Film. Core courses emphasize systematic reflection on the practices of inventing and making things; the role of technology, science, and science fiction in philosophical discourse; and the ethical application of emerging technologies across a range of domains.

Program Requirements

1. Required Courses (12 units)

PHIL 164 Ethics and Technology (3)
PHIL 250 Philosophy of Technology (3)

Choose one of the following:

COMS 464 Digital Culture (3)
DH 320 Perspectives on Digital Humanities (3)
MSE 303 Innovation, Invention and Technology (3)

Choose one of the following:

PHIL 330 Philosophy of Science (3)
PHIL 352 Philosophy of Reality (3)
PHIL 355 Philosophy of Mind (3)

2. Electives (9 units)

Choose any three courses below, excluding those taken to fulfill core requirements in the minor. At least 3 units must be at the upper-division level.

Some courses in the minor may have additional prerequisites beyond the required courses shown above.

Total Units in the Minor: 21

Contact

Department of Philosophy
Chair: Kristina Meshelski
Sierra Tower (ST) 522
(818) 677-2757