New digital technologies come with great possibilities and great risks. In this course we explore the opportunities and potential consequences of artificial intelligence (AI) and similar technological breakthroughs. Accompanied by radical uncertainty, these technologies highlight the role of regulatory authorities and, while some argue that focusing on a precautionary principle may cause us to miss out on the positive potentials, others believe political action is necessary when there are threats of serious irreversible damage and a lack of full scientific certainty.
How should we proceed, which is the most ethical course of action? Understanding these technologies requires a contextual examination of power, business models, and the metaphors shaping our institutions and our understanding. Against this backdrop, we will delve into the foundation of the internet, the development and regulation of web 2.0, and scrutinize recent attempts to regulate and reflect on the so-called AI arms race.
In class, we will begin by actively engaging with real-world problems, allowing us to explore relevant ethical and political theories. Through this exploration, you will be able to develop your own perspectives and arguments. Active class participation is crucial for all participants as the course will attempt to leave us all fit for a life in the age of AI.
