2024/2025

Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence

Type: Optional course (faculty)

Delivered by: School of Philosophy and Cultural Studies

When: 4 module

Open to: students of all HSE University campuses

Instructors: Louis Vervoort

Language: English

ECTS credits: 3

Contact hours: 36

Course Syllabus

Abstract

This course is an introduction to the philosophy and ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and of robots based on AI. AI is a recent technology that is already widely used, and that will become particularly powerful and ubiquitous in the near future. Several researchers and writers have extolled the quasi-unlimited potential of this technology; others have warned for an imminent ‘singularity’ in human history in which superintelligent AI systems will overtake the hegemony over people. We will start with having a look at what AI and Machine Learning are, and at the tasks they can execute for the time being. The main part of the course will be dedicated to questions as: What is the difference between human intelligence and AI? Could computers have a mind and consciousness? Is thinking computing? Can ChatGPT think? How could AI evolve, ideally and less ideally? What are the risks related to AI? Can we ensure that AI behaves ethically? Which ethical principles (and governmental rules) have been proposed for the reasonable use of AI? What is the research done at HSE related to these questions?