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7. Profile of the Institute for Ethics in Technology at Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH)

Ethics by Design is a major focus at the Institute for Ethics in Technology at Hamburg University of Technology, founded in 2023. The Institute is committed to pioneering research and education at the intersection of ethics, analytic philosophy, and technological innovation. The ambition is to integrate the rigour and insights from philosophical ethics and humanistic inquiry into all phases of technological development, implementation, and use, especially those connected to artificial intelligence. In addition to our expertise in philosophy, we also work in art history and media studies to understand the multiple facets of technology and the engagement of society and humanistic inquiries. The work in media studies, led by the Institute’s Dr Oliver Schmidt, explores how technological advancements have historically shaped media and continue to influence modern-day forms, with a particular focus on how AI and human-machine interactions are represented in film. This helps uncover societal values and concerns related to technology. The work in art, involving Dr Imke Hofmeister at the Institute, investigates how technological innovations foster new artistic expressions, challenging traditional concepts of authorship and creativity. From interactive digital art to High-Tech architecture, this division demonstrates how art critically engages with technology, offering reflective insights into how both fields influence one another. The philosophy of creativity is also a major concern for the Institute’s Dr Jonas Bozenhard, who explores how AI challenges conventional understandings of creativity and authorship, bringing together considerations from philosophy, art, and technology. Together, these components complement the institute’s core mission by showing how philosophical ethics, media, and art intersect to shape and reflect societal responses to technological change. The institute’s mission aligns with TUHH’s broader vision of ‘Technology for Humanity.’ While TUHH is renowned for its excellence in engineering and computer science, the institute enhances this technical expertise with a strong foundation in ethical inquiry, ensuring that technological advancements contribute positively to society and uphold human dignity. By fostering close collaboration between engineers, computer scientists, and philosophers, the institute helps guide the responsible and sustainable development of technology.