CT8130B Futurism and Theology: Key Issues

Description

This unit introduces students to the specific issues related to current scientific and technological developments, explores their impact upon different spheres of life and engages with major ethical and theological responses. Students will explore a variety of questions related to Artificial Intelligence, robotics, biotech, space exploration, human enhancement, Big Data, surveillance, life extension and beyond. Students will apply interdisciplinary theological reflection primarily drawing on the framework of virtue ethics. 

Level

Postgraduate Foundational

Semester

Semester 2 2027

Delivery Mode

Online

Dates

26 July - 29 October 2027

We recommend that you allocate 15 hours a week for all study activities. 

Lecturer/s 

Reverend Dr Arseny Ermakov and Reverend Professor Glen O’Brien 

Prerequisites 

No prerequisites required. 

Learning Activities 

Engagement with AI and emergent technologies, interdisciplinary workshops, application of pastoral cycle of theological reflection, primarily (though not exclusively) within a virtue ethics framework. 

Assessments 

Assessment 1 – 20% 
Assessment 2 – 30% 
Assessment 3 – 50% 

Learning Outcomes 

Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Describe trends, possibilities and utilisation of developing technologies. 
2. Assess different theological and ethical responses to emerging technologies. 
3. Critically engage with a variety of literature and technologies. 
4. Develop critical theological responses to some current and emerging technological advances. 

Text Books 

There is no required text for this unit.