Societal Challenges & Innovation Theory

The analysis of innovation processes is much more powerful when using theories of socio-technical change and innovation. Theories of socio-technical change and innovation can be a powerful tool to understand and help solve some of the grand challenges that our society faces. The course focuses on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), like SDG 3

Perspectives on Sustainability Transitions in Agriculture

Sustainability transitions in agriculture seem inescapable. The nitrogen crisis, climate change, and diminishing biodiversity demand that governmental actors, nature conservation organizations, together with farmers, retailers, industry, academics and others develop alternatives to the dominant forms of agriculture. A protein transition, circular agriculture, nature inclusive and ecological farming are all proposed as alternatives. These alternatives also

Philosophy of AI (UvA)

In this course, we approach (the philosophy of) artificial intelligence (AI) from the perspective of theoretical philosophy. The course focuses on the discussion of the intelligence of artificial intelligence, in particular against the backdrop of the debate between nativists and empiricists. We will do so, following Cameron Buckner’s very recent book From Deep Learning to

The Science of Food Systems

The Science of Food Systems course is an introductory course that takes place in the third period of the first year of the Bachelor’s programme Global Sustainability Science. In 2024 the course will run for the first time from February (week 6) to April (week 15), during 10 weeks. This is a track-specific course embedded

Digital innovation

In the course Digital Innovation we focus on the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the fundamental transformations of industries and societies. After introducing the nature of ICTs, the first part of the course starts by providing an historical and theoretical introduction to digital innovation from a societal perspective. Specific emphasis is on

Science, Technology and Society

Do you think science and technology are neutral tools in gaining economic and social prosperity? Do you think innovation is always a good thing? In this course, we will question such assumptions by studying the relation between science, technology, and society. This relationship is both complex and ambiguous. For example from a societal perspective, self-driving