PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS FOR SMART CITIES

Develop expertise in philosophical and ethical issues in the design of smart cities by exploring and questioning the forms and practices of data-driven cities paying particular attention to : overpopulation and problems/solutions that result from it, legal issues, protection of privacy, citizen’s place and values.

20H FACE-TO-FACE / 10H SELF-STUDY

Description

This module offers an unprecedented analysis of the Smart City through philosophical and ethical aspects, to reflect and consider the Smart City not only as a technical and effective response to the major challenges of tomorrow but also as a place for anchoring democratic values as well as principles of equity and respect for privacy.

  • Focus 1: Man and technology – Nature transformations
  • Focus 2: Disaster scenarios and resources issues
  • Focus 3: Smart cities as a solution – Anticipation and precautions
  • Focus 4: Data driven-cities – The power of the invisible
  • Focus 5: Innovation and responsibility
  • Focus 6: Business, territory and social responsibility

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course unit students will be able to:

  • Identify and explain ethical issues that emerge from the implementation of smart cities.
  • Develop their critical reasoning ability in order to make well-informed judgements concerning smart cities development and management.
  • Explore ways in which smart cities can be designed to be more inclusive.
  • Understand how citizenship is expressed through smart city systems.

Learning approach

  • E-learning / SPOC

  • Text study

  • Classes and conferences