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PH251D: ETHICS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (2023-2024)

Last modified: 01 Aug 2023 11:46


Course Overview

Why are some researchers arguing that future robots should be considered as persons? What will increased AI mean for the future of work? What might increased AI do to global politics and democracy? Can we trust AI to make important healthcare decisions? What about bias in systems? And who or what is to be held responsible if things go wrong? This course explores some of the most pressing philosophical problems of the modern age. No computer science or philosophy background is required.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 2
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Paula Sweeney

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Either Programme Level 2 or Master Of Arts In Philosophy, Politics And Economics
  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

Artificial Intelligence is an incredible resource that has the potential to greatly increase the quality of many lives. The introduction of robots and AI systems into our lives is changing our world at a fairly quick speed and without us having much time to think about the ethical consequences. It is not often that philosophical problems can be called ‘urgent’ but problems raised in the ethics of AI might just be the exception!

In this course we will examine just some of the key ethical questions raised by the introduction of AI systems. The course will be taught in a lecture and tutorial format with one reading assigned each week. The lecture will cover and expand on the set reading. In the tutorial we will discuss the issues raised by the reading and in the lecture. No computer science or philosophy background is required.

The course will be assessed with two short (1500 word) essays.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

Feedback will be provided via MyAberdeen Ultra

Word Count 1500
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualEvaluateDevelop critical thinking skills
ConceptualUnderstandAcquire an understanding of the philosophical literature relevant to the topic of the ethics of artificial intelligence.
ConceptualUnderstandAcquire and demonstrate knowledge of the key ethical concerns in the area of artifical intelligence
ProceduralCreateLearn to frame arguments and to communicate arguments to a group of peers.
ReflectionCreateDevelop proficiency in written and oral communication skills.

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

Feedback will be provided via MyAberdeen Ultra

Word Count 1500
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualEvaluateDevelop critical thinking skills
ConceptualUnderstandAcquire and demonstrate knowledge of the key ethical concerns in the area of artifical intelligence
ConceptualUnderstandAcquire an understanding of the philosophical literature relevant to the topic of the ethics of artificial intelligence.
ProceduralCreateLearn to frame arguments and to communicate arguments to a group of peers.
ReflectionCreateDevelop proficiency in written and oral communication skills.

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

Feedback will be provided via MyAberdeen Ultra

Word Count 2000
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualUnderstandAcquire and demonstrate knowledge of the key ethical concerns in the area of artifical intelligence
ConceptualUnderstandAcquire an understanding of the philosophical literature relevant to the topic of the ethics of artificial intelligence.
ConceptualEvaluateDevelop critical thinking skills
ReflectionCreateDevelop proficiency in written and oral communication skills.
ProceduralCreateLearn to frame arguments and to communicate arguments to a group of peers.

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