Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:05
This course will introduce and investigate a number of legal and ethical issues around the ethics of technology, particularly around the ethics of artificial intelligence. We will address questions such as the moral status of artificial agents; the difference, if any, between human rights and artificial rights, problems of data bias. We will also consider the question of responsibility in this arena and review regulatory frameworks. This course would be of interest to students from computer science, philosophy, law and health sciences.
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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On this course, students will learn basic philosophical and legal methodology and apply that methodology to the growing range of issues and questions concerning regarding AI and data. We will begin by asking whether we should place moral or legal limits on our ability to make technological process in AI or whether we should only be limited by what is practically achievable. We will then ask what it would take for artificial agents to be considered moral agents and whether we may already engage with moral artificial agents in our everyday lives. We will consider the curent regulator and legal framework and look to future directions of regulatory development. Finally, we will consider a number of case studies that prompt complex considerations around ethical and legal responsibility.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Students will prepare a paper as in for an ethics committee around a product that is suggested to them. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Students will have the ability to critically engage with written texts |
| Conceptual | Understand | Students will understand the philosophical and legal concepts and technology required to enter into this debate at a basic level. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Students will be able to understand, evaluate and debate the ethical and legal implications arising from technological progress. |
| Reflection | Analyse | Students will reflect on their new knowledge and apply it to a practical example. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Students will work in groups on one side of a debate around either of the two case studies. They will present their groups arguments and engage in defending a position. The assessment may take place at any time during the semester. Feedback is provided within 15 working days of the presentation. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Students will have the ability to critically engage with written texts |
| Conceptual | Understand | Students will be able to understand, evaluate and debate the ethical and legal implications arising from technological progress. |
| Procedural | Understand | Students will communicate their progress clearly and accessibly, both orally and in writing |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback | Word Count | 2000 | ||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Students will be able to understand, evaluate and debate the ethical and legal implications arising from technological progress. |
| Procedural | Understand | Students will communicate their progress clearly and accessibly, both orally and in writing |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Students will develop critical thinking skills. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Students will understand the philosophical and legal concepts and technology required to enter into this debate at a basic level. |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Students will have the ability to critically engage with written texts |
| Reflection | Analyse | Students will reflect on their new knowledge and apply it to a practical example. |
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