Learn to understand the role of technology in our society from a philosophical perspective
Any part of our lives today – work, recreation, learning, communication, or travel - relies on technology. Any major institution – the state or government, economy, education, and religion – is increasingly dependent on technology, too. The Master’s in Philosophy of Science, Technology & Society (PSTS) at the University of Twente teaches you to analyse the benefits as well as dangers of modern technology such as global environmental problems from a philosophical standpoint. If you want to understand the interplay between science, technology, and society and you have a Bachelor’s in Natural or Engineering Sciences, Social Sciences, Philosophy, or another relevant discipline, this Master’s is a good fit for you
How should we think about autonomous robots that make their own decisions and what could their use mean for society and for our understanding of autonomy? How can we address privacy concerns over location tracking apps? What are the ethical implications of using artificial intelligence to detect crime? You will learn to take a distinct philosophical approach to answer these and similar questions related to global challenges in today’s technologised world.
This two-year, English-taught Master’s is for any student with a background in engineering, philosophy, or social sciences who would like to take a philosophical approach to understand the impact of modern technology on society. The Master’s prepares you to examine emerging technologies so that you can help businesses and policymakers improve research and technological development. For example, how can governments become more accountable to privacy of personal data automation processes?
Start date
The Master's starts in September. If you are studying at a university of applied sciences (HBO), or have obtained an HBO degree it is helpful to do the minor first to see if the programme fits your expectations and skills.
Career perspectives
All over the world, in almost every industrial sector or societal domain, there is a growing need for experts who can examine, evaluate, and improve the ways in which technology and society interact. Completing the Master’s in PSTS opens various career doors to you: you can become a government consultant, a concept and project developer at an independent research institution, a technical leader in cybersecurity risk management, or a business developer at an insurance company, among others.