About the Course
This philosophy course explores questions of human nature in light of recent technological breakthroughs in communication, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and modern warfare. You will consider how our ability to transform our environment affects the way we perceive and value human life. From current and historical contexts, you'll evaluate philosophical questions like: how did the agricultural revolution impact social order? When do cybernetic implants transform a person into a machine? In what sense is your online identity you? Does social networking enhance or replace authentic human interaction? Working with your classmates, you'll critically assess these issues while developing your ability to construct and evaluate formal arguments. In this interdisciplinary course, you will study texts from literature, history, and science. Through critical reading and analytical writing, debates, group activities, and research projects, you'll explore the relationship between human nature and technology, and gain an appreciation for humanity, how we work, and what our future holds.
Typical Class Size: 16-18
Learning Objectives
- Examine the relationships between human beings and modern technology through interdisciplinary texts and media
- Explore issues surrounding cutting-edge technological progress and human nature that are currently impacting our civilization
- Analyze and discuss readings in human history, philosophy, cognitive science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and beyond
- Discuss and debate philosophical and ethical issues with classmates to grow as a community of critical thinkers
- Collaborate with peers to develop and present multiple projects that explore humanity’s relationship with continually changing technology
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
In Person
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
Residential Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 11, 2026
Filling up fast! 1 spots left
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course, and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
Readings in the Philosophy of Technology, by David M. Kaplan
What Technology Wants, by Kevin Kelly
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, by Yuval Noah Harari
Technical Requirements
Students must bring a tablet with a keyboard, laptop computer, or Chromebook for use during the session. A smartphone will not be sufficient.
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: July 2, 2026
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course, and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
Readings in the Philosophy of Technology, by David M. Kaplan
What Technology Wants, by Kevin Kelly
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, by Yuval Noah Harari
Technical Requirements
Students must bring a tablet with a keyboard, laptop computer, or Chromebook for use during the session. A smartphone will not be sufficient.
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid