02.143HT Artificial Intelligence and Ethics
The advances in the development of the so-called Artificial Intelligence (AI) have started to raise ethical problems. These problems are of different kinds: on the one hand philosophers and scientists have started asking whether computers, once they reach a certain level of intelligence comparable with human beings, should be granted certain rights. On the other hand, there is the question of how to regulate AI in such a way that, in the pursuits of its goals, it be harmful to human beings.
In this course we will analyse these questions in order to 1) check their assumptions and understand on what kind of presuppositions these very assumptions are based, 2) try to elaborate new ways to approach the so-called AI and to formulate more productive questions out of a deeper understanding of the phenomenon.
In this course students will become aware of the state of the debate around AI as well as to enable them to formulate hypotheses that can propose a different approach to the problem. In order to do so, we will study the philosophical roots of the understanding of “intelligence” as well as of the “machine” that lies as the foundation of the way in which we currently think about AI. We will at the same time contrast this understanding with another hypothesis on what “intelligence” is. The ultimate goal of the course is to enable students to start developing an understanding of the actual potentials of computers that might go beyond the current one.
Learning objectives
- Acquire knowledge of the state of debates surrounding AI ethics.
- Acquire reasoning skills to critically analyse the ethical views presented in these debates.
- Acquire reasoning skills to advance original arguments for one’s own ethical view on these debates.
- Acquire the skills to effectively communicate all the above, verbally and in writing.
Measurable outcomes
- Demonstrating knowledge of the main points of debates surrounding AI ethics (LO1). To be measured via all modes of assessment.
- Demonstrating the ability to critically analyse assumptions at the base of these debates (LO2), and advance original arguments for one’s own position on these debates (LO3). To be measured via all modes of assessment.
- Demonstrating the skills to effectively communicate philosophical ideas and arguments (LO4). To be measured via class participation (verbal skills) and all modes of assessment (written skills).
Course requirement
| Assessment | Percentage |
| WEC – Class participation | 20 |
| WEC – Mid-term paper | 25 |
| WEC – Final paper | 30 |
| WEC – Reading reflections | 25 |
Course map
WEEKS 1-2: What is Intelligence?
WEEKS 3-4: The “Intelligent” Organization of Society
WEEKS 5-6: The Role of Informatics in Our Society
WEEKS 8-9: Man in the Era of the Machine
WEEKS 10-11: Is a Different Understanding Needed?
WEEKS 12-13: The Phenomenology of AI or On Enduring Cartesianism
Instructor
Grace Boey