Course summary

Philosophy has never been more relevant as we tackle key challenges in today’s ever changing society. Should robots have rights? Has the surveillance state gone too far? How do we respond to the climate emergency? And what are the benefits of space tourists visiting other planets? Take our Philosophy of Nature, Information and Technology MA and you’ll be debating and researching at the cutting edge. We do ‘philosophy now’. The course elaborates on an understanding of the material world as a complex network in which information is exchanged – a world of communication. It draws on contemporary philosophy (Michel Serres, Donna Haraway, N Katherine Hayles, Karan Barad)), information theory, cybernetics, and science, but also on the history of philosophy (Lucretius, Leibniz). Human life, biological and social, is embedded in the open communication of the material world, offering a new perspective on problems that demand our attention today, such as our relation to nature, the climate emergency and the transformation by new technologies of what we understand as human. From the local to the global, you’ll see how philosophy connects with the world around us. This unique course also includes work on new materialisms, posthumanism and feminist epistemologies. And it explores process philosophy and the idea that information is a basic constituent of the universe. You will also develop key research skills to help prepare for your in-depth dissertation. The MA is offered entirely through online learning. This means you can study at a time that suits you, from the comfort of your own home, anywhere in the world. As we attract students from both the UK and abroad, you’ll become part of an international learning community. The course is ideal if you want to pursue philosophy for enjoyment or to fit it round your existing work and other commitments. We also have students starting out on the career ladder and those looking for professional development opportunities or a pathway to a PhD. The transferable skills involved, such as critical thinking and problem-solving, are useful for a wide range of careers. During the course, you’ll take part in collaborative sessions, experience online lectures, seminars and podcasts, and contribute to discussion boards. We pride ourselves on providing regular contact and support from our academics, who are renowned experts in their field. On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MA Philosophy of Nature, Information and Technology