This is an introductory course in the philosophy of artificial intelligence (AI). The emphasis throughout the course will be on moral and political questions related to current and future AI systems. However, we may also ask AI-related questions in the philosophies of mind, language, and science. Example questions include: what is algorithmic bias and how should it be addressed? To what extent should a right to privacy protect us from digital surveillance by national governments and by private corporations? Would our lives lack meaning if, in the future, AI models could perform most or all economically-valuable tasks better than humans? Would it be good for us to inhabit pleasant, but possibly illusory, virtual worlds? Under what conditions would an AI be a moral patient: an entity whose legitimate needs and interests we are morally required to take into account in our practical deliberation? Could future AI models pose a genuine existential threat to humanity? Is the singularity hypothesis something we should take seriously?

The current draft of the syllabus can be found here: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/642f3e920400867b65e4db49/t/6a4e98e0b60bb5335d5e7cc2/1783535840741/Artificial_intelligence__Ethics__values__risks__Fall_26_.pdf

Please note that all readings, discussions, and assessments—including oral examinations—will be conducted in English. Mastery of written and spoken English is essential for passing the course.

All readings will be made available online.

Sample topics include:
- Algorithmic bias
- Transparency and the right to an explanation
- Privacy and surveillance
- The future of work and leisure
- AI consciousness and moral status
- Existential risk
- The singularity