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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a new and rapidly developing field that affects social media, military actions, the way we are governed, our criminal justice and health systems, and many other areas that impact on our lives. In each of these areas, the use of AI can and will create situations that harm or benefit people and also non-human animals. Understanding the nature of these potential harms and benefits, their value and disvalue, and what can enhance, mitigate or remove them, can help to make the widespread adoption of AI technologies ethical and also more publicly acceptable.
From smart speakers and self-driving cars to predictive policing and mortgage lending, Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing the way we interact with ourselves and each other. As individuals, organizations and governments increasingly integrate AI into their daily operations and decision-making processes, it is of utmost importance that we develop an understanding of when and why such integration is appropriate. What role should AI play in our individual and collective societies? What risks accompany the use of AI? Should we have AI friends? Is it morally permissible to use AI in warfare? In this course, we will explore these questions and more as we examine the ethical significance of AI with respect to issues of bias, fairness, privacy, autonomy, trustworthiness and care.
By the end of this course, students should be able to:Demonstrate knowledge of ethical issues relate to Artificial Intelligence,Demonstrate ability to engage in ethical reasoning and argumentation,Demonstrate ability to identify and evaluate ethical arguments in written text,Demonstrate ability to clearly and concisely express an argument in writing.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Biculturally competent and confident
Students will be aware of and understand the nature of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relevance to their area of study and/or their degree.
Engaged with the community
Students will have observed and understood a culture within a community by reflecting on their own performance and experiences within that community.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
Permission of the Head of Department.
COSC443 and PHIL425
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Elizabeth Stewart
Please check the course LEARN page for further details and updates.
Domestic fee $2,046.00
International Postgraduate fees
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Humanities .