Teaching ethics and peace to science and engineering students

September 4, 2008

An international workshop at University of Hamburg, 15 – 17 October 2008

Statement of intent

The natural and engineering sciences produce knowledge and technology which can be abused or used to the better. Students of science and engineering are often unaware of related dilemmas which they will face in their future careers.

The new bachelor and master programs of the Bologna process offer some opportunities to address such issues in dedicated teaching units. Initiatives for establishing ethics and peace education at universities have been promoted by various national and international organisations (like UNESCO, the UN Committee for disarmament education, the International Peace Research Association, the European Association for Engineering Education (SEFI) etc.).

However, it depends largely on the local leadership, expertise and resources to put such intentions into practice. Every case is a story of its own.
The organizers of this workshop have initiated peace and ethics teaching for science students at their universities. They cooperate within the International Network of Engineers and Scientists for Global Responsibility and within the Pugwash Movement.

We invite colleagues and experts with practical experience to come to Hamburg for a three day workshop for sharing experience and exchanging insight and inspiration for future work. The workshop will be a platform for networking and establishment of cooperation, like joint development of teaching approaches and exchange of teaching material. Participation is limited to about 30.

Contact
Martin Weil c/o Prof. Martin Kalinowski,
znf(at)uni-hamburg.de (attn Mr. Martin Weil)
ZNF, Universität Hamburg
Beim Schlump 83
D 20146 Hamburg
Tel 0049-40-42838-2870

University of Hamburg