15 655J - Law, Technology, and Public Policy

Institution:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Subject:

Description:

Examination of the relationship between law and technological change, and the ways in which law, economics, and technological change shape public policy. Areas addressed include how law can be used to influence and guide technological change; responses of the legal system to environmental, safety, social and ethical problems created by new or existing technology; how law and markets interact to limit or encourage technological development; and how law can affect the distribution of wealth and social justice. Topics covered include genetic engineering; telecommunications; industrial automation; the effect of health, safety, and environmental regulation on technological innovation; the impacts of intellectual property law on innovation and equity; pharmaceuticals; nanotechnology; cost/benefit analysis as a decision tool; public participation in governmental decisions affecting science and technology; and law and economics as competing paradigms to encourage sustainability. Open to freshmen and sophomores with permission of instructor.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Prereq: Permission of instructor

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

web.mit.edu/student/

Phone Number:

(617) 253-1000

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Four-one-four plan

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