Communication, Philosophy, Technology and Education (CPTE)
The Section CPTE (Communication, Philosophy, Technology and Education) researches transformations in life science domains such as agriculture, climate, and environment, and advances societal engagement with these transformations. It does so from an inclusive, process-oriented, empirical, critical and reflexive perspective.
The section raises questions on:
- how knowledge, technology and innovation develop and are put to use responsibly;
- how learning for and across stakeholder groups takes place;
- how communication on life sciences issues looks, how variation can be explained and how it affects opinions, behaviour and policy making processes;
- how fundamental concepts and ethical issues are framed and negotiated in public and policy processes.
CPTE contributes to transformation towards sustainability through process, learning and innovation (re)design, working across different sectors and disciplines, critical reflection on ethical choices, communication interventions and contributions to public debate. Engagement with societal stakeholders is integral to CPTE’s approach through:
- reshaping knowledge and innovation processes from the bottom-up;
- promoting critical reflection in society on values, systems, ethical choices and democracy;
- providing insights and knowledge that contribute to depolarization processes;
- facilitating learning;
- and making change processes more equitable and deliberative.
Our chair groups
Strategic Communication
Strategic Communication, together with chairholder Rens Vliegenthart, studies the dynamics and consequences of communication by (digital) media, political actors, organizations and citizens. Focusing on the processes through which public images, discourses, opinions and behaviour come about and have a keen interest in communication challenges related to life science issues such as climate change, sustainability and health.
Strategic Communication
Strategic Communication, together with chairholder Rens Vliegenthart, studies the dynamics and consequences of communication by (digital) media, political actors, organizations and citizens. Focusing on the processes through which public images, discourses, opinions and behaviour come about and have a keen interest in communication challenges related to life science issues such as climate change, sustainability and health.
Knowledge, Technology and Innovation
Knowledge, technology, and innovation are central to global and local transformations. Our critical engagement with socio-technical innovations creates space for understanding and possible reshaping the production, exchange, integration, and use of scientific and other knowledge.
Philosophy
The Philosophy chair group focuses on ethical and epistemic issues involved in the relationship of humans with nature, animals, food and agriculture. The group aims to understand processes of ethical deliberation around science and technology in different societal and cultural settings.
Education and Learning Sciences
The Education and Learning Sciences group, led by Perry den Brok, aims to understand and facilitate learners throughout their lives to contribute to worldwide challenges in a meaningful, responsible and critical manner. Sustainable development is more than just knowledge creation and innovation: it concerns the drive of individuals and groups. This drive is reflected in the so-called Inner Development Goals, which concern skills and qualities such as being, thinking, relating, collaborating and acting. In our research and education, the development of these Inner Development Goals are central.
