Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PHIL3022 | Philosophy | 3 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- PHIL3022
- School
- Philosophy
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module covers questions such as 'What is artificial intelligence (AI)?', 'Can artificial intelligence be creative?', 'Can artificial intelligence understand, think or have phenomenal consciousness?', 'What would a paradigm shift in the way we understand intelligence and artificial intelligence look like?', 'What are the ethical constraints on the research and methods of artificial intelligence?', 'What are the dangers associated with the wider use of AI in human society?', 'Who is responsible for actions/decisions taking by AI systems or algorithms?', 'How should we interact with AI systems?'.
Target Students
Third year single honours and joint honours Philosophy students. Also available to Liberal Arts students in their final year who have completed either PHIL1012 or PHIL1013. Also available to exchange students.
Classes
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 10 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks
Assessment
- 50% Coursework: 1 x 2,500 word coursework essay
- 50% EXAM 1 (2-hour): 2 hour online exam
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The aim of this module is to consider and evaluate some key debates in specific areas in the philosophy of artificial intelligence. By the end of the module students should have an advanced understanding of, be informed about, and be in a position to critically evaluate various positions within the philosophy of artificial intelligence, e.g., architectures and capabilities of artificial intelligence, AI ethics, AI creativity, AI responsibility and Human/AI Interaction.Learning Outcomes
A. Knowledge and Understanding.
By the end of this module you should be able to understand, and demonstrate a clear grasp of, the main positions in the philosophical debates covered by the module.
B. Intellectual skills.
By the end of this module you should be able to:
- B1. Identify the underlying issues in the debates discussed.
- B2. Analyse the structure of complex and controversial problems, with an understanding of major strategies of reasoning designed to solve such problems.
- B3. Read carefully and interpret texts drawn from a variety of sources, with sensitivity to context.
- B4. Abstract, analyse and construct logical arguments, employing techniques of formal and informal methods of reasoning as appropriate, together with an ability to recognise any relevant fallacies.
- B5. Recognise and judge for yourself the strengths and weaknesses of arguments on both sides of each philosophical issue.
C. Practical Skills.
By the end of this module you should be able to
- C1. Identify textually-based arguments and subject their structure and implications to rigorous assessment.
- C2. Understand any relevant specialist philosophical terminology and be able to use it properly.
- C3. Review unfamiliar ideas with an open mind and a willingness to change one’s mind when appropriate.
D. Transferable skills.
By the end of this module you should be able to
- D1. Express views on (abstract) issues clearly and concisely in writing.
- D2. Participate effectively and appropriately in constructive debate on relevant issues.
- D3. Work autonomously and manage one’s own work to time limits.
- D4. Marshal a complex body of information, construct cogent arguments in the evaluation of this material, and present a clear and well-structured assessment of relevant considerations.
- D5. Think creatively, self-critically and independently about new and unfamiliar problems.