PHIL 248 - Ethics of Algorithms and AI

Unit(s): 4

This class will introduce students to the ethics of algorithms and AI. Our first aim is to investigate four classic philosophical theories that seek to explain what makes an action morally right or morally wrong. More specifically, we will study: consequentialism, deontology, virtue ethics and moral relativism. We will use this information to critically analyze a variety of case studies across the fields of software engineering and computer and data science. Our second aim is to explore three contemporary moral problems about the creation and implementation of algorithms and AI. For instance, we will consider ethical issues regarding. Lethal Autonomous Weapons Big Data, Privacy, and Online Manipulation Algorithmic Bias

College of Arts and Sciences