Melbern G. Glasscock Building

Presenters:Priya Jain, Associate Professor | Architecture Martin Peterson, Professor | Philosophy "Aligning technology with human values"Abstracts:Jain Information forthcoming.PetersonAccording to the General Value Alignment Thesis (GVAT), all technologies should align with the values and norms specified by human users and other stakeholders. Once we recognize that every technology can be aligned with values and norms, there is no need to claim that technological artifacts are inherentlyvalue-laden. Claims about the morality of technologies should instead focus on their value alignment. For example, Robert Moses' low bridges on Long Island were designed to block buses, restricting access for low-income groups and racial minorities who relied on public transportation. While Langdon Winner claims that these bridges "embody … systematic social inequality" (1980: 124), GVAT sees them as morally neutral but poorly aligned with values like racial justice and equity. Chair: Jyotsna Vaid | Psychological & Brain Sciences/Women's & Gender Studies  Please note that this is not a lecture, and thus, is not suited for class attendance. The Colloquium Series is intended to provide the presenter with a forum to discuss their research and receive feedback from colleagues and peers.