This course explores the interconnections between the history and ethics of design. The guiding framework of our exploration emphasizes that designers both reflect and shape history, and that all of design has a set of values that influences the design process and how the end products of that process are used. Since these values are embedded in larger (often socially inherited) sets of values, this course introduces prominent ethical frameworks. The course highlights the key advantages and challenges of each theory, the ways in which they shape a designer's ethos, and how they influence our conceptions of harm and justifiable value tradeoffs. The course emphasizes ethical reasoning as a foundational design skill, guiding students to (i) evaluate competing ethical perspectives on human problems, (ii) adapt and apply theoretical principles and concepts specifically in the domain of design, and (iii) to defend their ethical judgments about design choices using moral theories and frameworks. The course also explores key moments in the history of design which allow for practical applications of these moral frameworks. This class will ask you to read, write, and produce several alternative forms of media in order to research and explore both ethical and historical topics. This course is required for undergraduate students in the Design Major and, as such, priority will be given to these students; higher priority to juniors and seniors. If you are not in the Design program, instructor permission based on application is needed for enrollment.
3 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit · GER: WAY-ER
This course explores the interconnections between the history and ethics of design. The guiding framework of our exploration emphasizes that designers both reflect and shape history, and that all of design has a set of values that influences the design process and how the end products of that process are used. Since these values are embedded in larger (often socially inherited) sets of values, this course introduces prominent ethical frameworks. The course highlights the key advantages and challenges of each theory, the ways in which they shape a designer's ethos, and how they influence our conceptions of harm and justifiable value tradeoffs. The course emphasizes ethical reasoning as a foundational design skill, guiding students to (i) evaluate competing ethical perspectives on human problems, (ii) adapt and apply theoretical principles and concepts specifically in the domain of design, and (iii) to defend their ethical judgments about design choices using moral theories and frameworks. The course also explores key moments in the history of design which allow for practical applications of these moral frameworks. This class will ask you to read, write, and produce several alternative forms of media in order to research and explore both ethical and historical topics. This course is required for undergraduate students in the Design Major and, as such, priority will be given to these students; higher priority to juniors and seniors. If you are not in the Design program, instructor permission based on application is needed for enrollment.
Offered in Autumn 2026, Winter 2027 at Stanford University.