Human and Machine: History and Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

Today’s artificial intelligence did not spring fully grown from any head in silicon valley but took slow and gradual shape under the influence of many historical forces. To think philosophically and productively about artificial intelligence, to understand the scope of its influence, the credibility of its claims, and ultimately to consider its present meaning for our lives, we must critically investigate the material, conceptual, and historical forces that have brought it into being. Therefore, as a kind of analysis of the concept of artificial intelligence, this class will proceed by examining some major elements that constitute the very phrase "artificial intelligence." We will examine the concept of artifice, or technology, then examine the concept of intelligence, before seeing how these two concepts have co-evolved and shaped one another. This is followed by two units on the architecture of AI, where we will develop a basic understanding of the structure of some contemporary AI models. The class will conclude by discussing a central function of AI processing: prediction. We will discuss how AI prediction relates to our concepts of freedom and creativity.