About this course
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.
Syllabus
Faculty
Mie Oehlenschläger
FacultyTech policy expert advising private and public actors both nationally and internationally (2022-2024). Appointed to an independent external expert group to support the Government’s work on setting the framework for Big Tech in Denmark and the EU. Appointed member of The Danish Council of Ethics (2022-2025). Co-founder of the non profit Tech & childhood and author of a number of analyses and reports including “Big Tech – Soft Power” (July 2023), “Online games gamble with children’s data” (April 2021) and “Green Paper on initiatives to protect children online” (December 2021) and various articles. Expert advicer to the The US Future of Tech Commission and former writing member of the Danish DJØF’s TechDK Commission. Years of professional experience with Strategic Communications, Campaigning, CSR and Public Affairs. M.A., Modern Culture and Cultural Communication (University of Copenhagen, 2008), B.A. Comparative Literature (University of Copenhagen, 2003). With DIS since 2018.