Lectures in the academic year 2004 / 2005:

 L1: Information economy

Dr. M. Goliński (SGH), Prof. T. Szapiro (SGH)

Economics of information. Information as the fourth factor of production, competition and economic decision-making. Information infrastructure of the modern economy. Infomedia techniques and economic changes: globalization, virtualization, network companies. Inter-organizational information systems. Economic policy of the state in the era of the information society.

L2: Gen-ethics from the perspective of a biologist and philosopher

Prof. M. Fikus  (PAN), Dr. P. Łuków (UW)

Possibilities of modern genetic engineering to introduce living organisms (microorganisms, plants, animals) will be discussed on the background of basic information about the nature and the laws governing heredity. The last major success of the genetic engineering was to investigate the genome which allowed further development of genetic testing, gene therapy and somatic reproductive potential. These research achievements have impact on the relationship between man and nature. Also it influences study of the human genome, the problems of eugenics as well as assisted reproduction and human cloning. In addition relationship between these studies and the value of life will be tackled.

 

L3: Legal protection of artistic and scientific creativity

Prof. J. Błeszyński (UW), Dr. I. Oleksiuk (IPWC)

Development of artistic and scientific creativity is one of the most important goals of the information society. The question arises whether any manifestation of creative activity becomes the object of protection? Under existing law an object of protection might be a song being long-term effect studies as well as momentary inspiration. Irrelevant thereto remain financial investments, education, and even the ability of the creator. The main aim of the course is to explain to students which conditions determine the grant of copyright protection. What are the rights of creators, publishers, producers? What is the so called public domain? According to which rules the boundaries of artistic and scientific freedom are defined? During the course also an introduction to the principle of the protection of the most important market for information society will be presented, namely the intellectual property market. At the same time we would like to offer a discussion on the directions of legislative changes related to scientific and technical progress.

L4: Arts and culture in view of the information society

Prof. M. Duchowski (ASP) with his assistants

Aesthetics, ethics, politics and mass-media in the information society. New forms of artistic expression and the role of art in a society where electronic media and “virtual reality” are present: architecture, fine arts and film. Socio-cultural aspects of development of communication technology and organization.

L5: Euro – Indian confrontations, what can we learn about ourselves by looking at India?

Prof. J. Błeszyński (UW), Dr. I. Oleksiuk (IPWC)

India and Europe – different subcontinents Asia, twin different civilizations. Indian duration versus European development. The logic of the traditional Indian social system. Indian and European criteria of mega-tribal identity. Hinduism – “hearing” (sruti). Hinduism – “vision” (darsana). Hinduism and Christianity. The Vedic Revelation as a testimony of the first incarnation.