Introduction to Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence
| Module title | Introduction to Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence |
|---|---|
| Module code | PHL1016 |
| Academic year | 2022/3 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Silvia Milano (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 24 |
|---|
Module description
This module will introduce the core philosophical issues raised by Artificial Intelligence.
There are no pre-requisites for this module. Given this module’s focus on the interfaces between AI and philosophy, it is suitable for non-specialist students with a keen interest in philosophy, and for interdisciplinary pathways.
Module aims - intentions of the module
- You will learn to identify and assess philosophical issues raised by the development of artificial intelligence.
- You will learn research skills in both self-motivated and group contexts.
- You will develop core philosophical skills such as critical reflection, argumentation and clarity of expression.
- Examining recent and forthcoming work will help you to cover new research methods and trends, and to understand the relevance of interdisciplinary inputs in philosophical research, and how to situate philosophical work within its disciplinary context.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate familiarity with current work on philosophy of artificial intelligence.
- 2. Demonstrate an acquisition of knowledge of different philosophical issues connected to new technological advancements.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Understand and engage with philosophical arguments.
- 4. Problematise and assess philosophical implications of interdisciplinary issues.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Develop clear and concise written and oral communication skills.
- 6. Demonstrate comprehension of complex ideas and writing.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:
- Fundamentals of AI
- Specifying goals: the problem of value alignment
- Artificial minds and the problem of consciousness
- AI, moral agency and responsibility
- AI and art
- Governing AI
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 128 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 22 | 11 x 2 hours per week comprising of lectures and seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | 48 | Reading and Research |
| Guided Independent Study | 38 | Preparation and writing of essay |
| Guided Independent Study | 20 | Preparation for seminar presentation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay outline | 500 words | 1-6 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 70 | 0 | 30 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 70 | 2000 words | 1-6 | Written |
| Presentation | 30 | 10 minutes | 1-6 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2000 words essay | 1-6 | August/September reassessment Period |
| Presentation | 10 minutes presentation | 1-6 | August/September reassessment Period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Indicative reading:
- Nick Bostrom, Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies, Oxford University Press (2014).
- Melanie Mitchell, Artificial Intelligence: A guide for thinking humans, Pelican Books (2019).
- Alan M. Turing, “Computing Machinery and Intelligence,” Mind 49 (1950): 433-460.
- Shannon Vallor, Technology and the Virtues: A Philosophical Guide to a Future Worth Wanting, Oxford University Press (2018).
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/01/2022 |
| Last revision date | 22/04/2022 |
