Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence

3 units

This course explores philosophical foundations, implications, and evaluations of the development and increasing sophistication of artificial intelligence (AI). Possible topics may include how particular concepts such as the nature of intelligence, language, consciousness, or creativity are challenged or redefined by AI; how AI generates and reproduces inequality and other harms and the responsibilities of users, developers, and policymakers to anticipate and mitigate such harms; and the possibilities and roles for AI in imagining and creating a better world. Relevant technical material, including neural networks and Large Language Models (LLMs), will be covered in the course to provide a solid basis for philosophical analysis; no familiarity is expected. This course is designed to foster philosophical skill in critical thinking, conceptual analysis, reasoning and argumentation. Students from all backgrounds are enthusiastically welcomed.