At the Institute for Ethics in Technology, our pedagogical approach emphasises that the ethical implications of technology are not merely theoretical considerations, but real-world imperatives that demand equally practical solutions. Our teaching philosophy is innovative and hands-on, merging the depth of theoretical frameworks in moral philosophy with contemporary case studies in technology, i.e. those that students are likely to encounter in their later tech-related, professional careers. We place a high value on interactive learning experiences, inviting students to engage in spirited debates, team projects, and problem-solving exercises that bridge the gap between academic inquiry and practical application.
Our teaching approach integrates bespoke ethics modules into technical curricula while also offering broader humanistic education to foster critical thinking and ethical reflection. Through innovative courses, interdisciplinary collaborations, and hands-on learning experiences, we prepare students to navigate the ethical challenges of an increasingly technological world.
Launched in December 2024, Blue Engineering is a student-led initiative that encourages engineering students to reflect on social and ecological responsibility. Supported by the Claussen-Simon Foundation, this programme includes courses such as "Ethical Decision-Making in Career Choices", fostering responsible leadership in engineering.
In November 2024, we launched a new partnership with the Institute for Media and Communication at the University of Hamburg. This initiative allows students from both universities to attend courses in media studies and ethics in technology, fostering interdisciplinary exchange and expanding academic horizons.
We believe in learning through experience. Our students work on real-world case studies and actively participate in competitions such as:
We collaborate with leading institutions to provide students with opportunities beyond the classroom, including:
Our commitment to innovative teaching has been recognised through prestigious awards, including the following:
I³ProTeachING Audience Award for Inspirational Teaching (December 2024): Dr Jonas Bozenhard received this award for his Creativity and AI Seminar: ECIU Challenge, which fosters creative problem-solving at the intersection of AI and innovation.
We actively support students in scholarship applications, ensuring that financial constraints do not limit academic success. This also includes a partnership between our Institute and the Deloitte Foundation Scholarship Programme. For instance, this scholarship was last awarded to our two of our students in October 2024, offering €500/month financial support, access to networking events & talent mentorship, and entry into the Deloitte Foundation Talent Community.
We are dedicated to making ethics and technology education more inclusive and contribute to the annual Girls’ Day at TUHH. For these events, we organise workshops on women in art, science, engineering, and philosophy, exploring the contributions and challenges of women throughout history.
Our teaching approach is considerably inspired by this quotation from Martin.
“I tell my students that philosophy is an activity that they can learn only by doing. (…) Struggling through a difficult primary text is like climbing a mountain – and if I were teaching them mountaineering, they would feel cheated if all I did was to show them pictures of the view from the summit, and describe the wrong routes taken by other mountaineers. They need to get their boots on, and work up a sweat.”
(Martin, P. (2008). Key Aspects of Teaching and Learning in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. In: H. Fry (Ed.), Handbook for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, p. 311)
We are convinced that learning philosophy and ethics requires active effort as well as the freedom to follow one’s own compass. Accordingly, we see our role as teachers as that of a facilitator, or to continue the metaphor, as that of an experienced mountaineer. A teacher should encourage students to put on their boots and follow the route they chose for themselves, but also actively assist them by providing the knowledge and tools required to master their route. In our teaching, we strive to be such an assistant to students, pass on to them our own enthusiasm about ethics, and equip them for the complex challenges they may face later.
Over all, our leading ideal at TUHH is that of the ‘responsible enginneer’, a person who can combine technical proficiency with the capacity for ethical reflection. We want to help our students to acquire this double qualification and prepare them to be interdisciplinary team players and leaders.
We welcome students from various technology disciplines to pursue their Bachelor or Master theses with us, provided they meet the following requirements:
The Institute for Ethics in Technology is always on the lookout for dedicated tutors and student assistants to join our team. As a tutor, you'll play a vital role in enhancing our lectures and seminars through organisational support and peer learning facilitation, while student assistants can engage in a variety of tasks ranging from administrative duties at the institute to participating in cutting-edge research projects. Don't miss this opportunity to contribute and learn. If you’re interested, get in touch with us today: maximilian.kiener(at)tuhh.de
We at the Institute firmly believe that the perspectives of our students are crucial for achieving excellence in teaching. Your feedback on existing or past classes, suggestions for future course formats, or any other innovative ideas are immensely valuable to us. We encourage you to share your thoughts and help shape the future of our educational offerings. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with your insights and ideas – your voice matters and can make a real difference in our academic community!