Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence: Ethics and Policy, 7.5 Credits

Contents

Recent years have seen rapid progress in the development of artificial intelligent systems. This class will address ethical and societal questions arising from the increasing presence of these systems in our lives, such as: Artificial intelligence allows companies and governments to collect and analyse unprecedented amounts of data about us. How does the use of these data for surveillance and manipulation threaten our autonomy and privacy? How do we prevent artificial intelligences from acquiring morally objectionable biases? Who is responsible for the decisions of autonomous automated weapons? What ethical rules should self-driving cars implement? Will artificial intelligence make most human jobs superfluous, and would this be bad? And might superintelligent artificial systems threaten the very existence of humanity?

Expected learning outcomes

After having completed the course students will have: 

Knowledge and understanding: 

• displayed knowledge and understanding of central concepts, theories, problems, and arguments in the contemporary debate of ethical and societal questions about artificial intelligence. 
• Displayed knowledge and understanding of philosophical issues about ethics, moral responsibility, autonomy, privacy, justice, and equality.  

Skill and ability: 

• displayed an ability to write philosophical texts of good linguistic quality; 
• displayed an ability to produce and assess arguments concerning the course materials. 

Assessment and attitude: 

• displayed an understanding of strengths and weaknesses of central arguments in the contemporary debate of ethical and societal questions about artificial intelligence. 

Required Knowledge

90 ECTS credits in philosophy, computer science, history, sociology, political science, cognitive science or equivalent, or a Degree encompassing at least 180 ECTS credits, or equivalent (previous higher education studies in at least one of the subjects listed is highly recommended). Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

The course consists of seminars and lectures, essay writing and discussion. If the course is given online, the teaching and student activities will be internet-based.   

Students are required to have access to a computer and a stable internet connection.

Examination modes

The examination consists of writing assignments and active participation in seminars. On the course as a whole, the grades given are Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with Distinction (VG). In order to pass the course as a whole, all mandatory parts must be passed as well. The final grade of the course is a summary assessment of the results, and the course is passed only after all mandatory parts are passed.  

A re-examination must be offered no later than two months after the regular exam, however, the re-examination must be offered no earlier than ten working days after the results of the regular exam have been announced and a copy of the students' exam is available. For tests conducted during the months of May and June, the first re-examination may be offered within three months of the regular test. In addition, at least one further re-examination must be offered within one year of the regular examination, so-called collection test. Those who have passed the exam may not undergo a new exam for a higher grade.  

The examiner can decide on deviations from the examination form of the syllabus. Individual adaptation of the form of examination must be considered according to the student's needs. The form of examination is adapted within the framework of the curriculum's expected study results. Students who need an adapted examination must request adaptation from the institution responsible for the course no later than 10 working days before the examination. The examiner decides on an adapted examination, which is then notified to the student.  

Other regulations

In the event that the syllabus expires or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three exams (including regular exams) according to the regulations in the syllabus on which the student was originally registered for a period of a maximum of two years from the previous syllabus expires or the course has been discontinued.  

In granting a university degree, this course may not be combined with any other course that has a similar content. In case of uncertainty, the student should consult the Director of Studies at the Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies.