ARTS0001c: Introduction to the Humanities: Ethics Debates: Life, Love, and The Future of Technology

Course Code ARTS0001c
Course Title Introduction to the Humanities: Ethics Debates: Life, Love, and The Future of Technology
Class Date 14, 15, 16, 17, 20 and 21 July 2026

(22 July 2026 is reserved for class make-up in case there is any cancellation of classes due to bad weather or other unexpected factors.)

(23 July 2026 is reserved for class assessment, if any.)
Class Time 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Teacher Dr. CHONG Yun Chak
Lecturer
Department of Philosophy
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Medium of Instruction English
Course Description This course introduces students to ethical reasoning through major controversies shaping our technological future. We will explore questions such as: Can there be a “digital afterlife”? Can human–AI relationships be genuine? As IVF (in vitro fertilization) and CRISPR gene-editing technologies advance, how should we think about parenthood and genetic enhancement? When does surveillance undermine freedom? And how should society respond to AI-driven responsibility gaps and technology-induced unemployment? The goal of this course is to engage students in philosophical reflection and debate on these timely questions.
Course Content

Date

Topic

Required Reading

July 14

Ethics Toolbox: How to Argue

About Right and Wrong

Thomas Metcalf, “Arguments: Why Do You

Believe What You Believe?”, 1000-Word

Philosophy: An Introductory Anthology

July 15

Digital Life & the End of

Life: Death and Afterlife

Frederik Kaufman, “Is Death Bad? Epicurus

and Lucretius on the Fear of Death”, 1000

Word Philosophy: An Introductory Anthology

July 16

Love in the Age of AI: Can

Human–AI Relationships Be

Good Real?

Felipe Pereira, “What Is It To Love

Someone?”, 1000-Word Philosophy: An

Introductory Anthology

July 17

Making Families with

Technology: Parenthood and

Genetic Babies

Michael W. Austin “Rights and Obligations

of Parents” (Sect 2), IEP 

July 20

Technology & Freedom:

Privacy and Surveillance

Kevin Macnish, “Surveillance Ethics” (Sect.

1-4), IEP

July 21

AI & Justice: Responsibility,

Unemployment, and the

Future

Thomas Metcalf, “Artificial Intelligence:

Ethics, Society, and the Environment”, 1000

Word Philosophy: An Introductory Anthology
Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • understand the major arguments in current ethical debates about technology and society, and understand the strengths and weaknesses of each;
  • discuss a broad range of technology-related moral issues (digital afterlife, AI relationships, reproductive technology, privacy/surveillance, AI justice) and the ethical questions they raise;
  • form a stance on a contested issue and defend it with a clear, logical argument (including at least one objection and reply).
Course Assessment In-class Discussions and Debates: 30%
In-class Short Writings: 30% 
Argumentative Short Essay (on one of the debates): 40%
   
  The above course information is subject to change and approval. 
   Last updated on 23 February 2026
   

 

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