Science, Technology, and Society

The Program in Science, Technology, and Society is a graduate program of its kind, unique within the Israeli academic landscape. The program examines the complex interactions between science, technology, and society from philosophical, historical, and sociological perspectives. We are committed to intellectual pluralism and engage with a wide range of theoretical approaches to the study of the social and cultural dimensions of science and technology.

Our definitions of science and technology are deliberately broad and flexible. While many are drawn to questions raised by emerging technologies such as genetic engineering or computer networks, we believe that equally important questions are embedded in technologies we have grown accustomed to, such as the pencil, the camera, or money, as well as in technologies that have fallen out of use. The stone hand axes crafted by our distant ancestors over millions of years raise questions no less profound than those posed by artificial intelligence. Our perspective on science encompasses quantum theory and evolution alongside the histories of astrology and alchemy, as well as ancient myths through which humans once sought to make sense of their world.

The program welcomes outstanding and intellectually curious students from all disciplinary backgrounds. It emphasizes open dialogue between faculty and students, shared learning and collective thinking, and the cultivation of a vibrant community of inquiry. The faculty brings expertise across a wide range of fields, including evolution, science and religion, environment, medicine, society and politics, artificial intelligence, economic thought, the history of money and capitalism, mind-altering substances, photography, social networks, and more.

We study science and technology from multiple perspectives, while remaining acutely aware that we do not yet know what science is, what technology is, or what their relationship ultimately amounts to. These questions, for us, are part of a timeless inquiry: what does it mean to be human? If you believe you can enrich our community with new topics and fresh perspectives, we would be glad to welcome you. The range of questions you can explore here is virtually limitless. Is language a technology? What about prayer or a musical scale? Are New Age movements connected to the history of science? If you can persuade us that these are compelling questions to pursue, you are invited to join us on this journey.