Minds and Machines

Catalog description

Pre-req: Completion of Core Curriculum Research & Professional Writing requirement. What makes you conscious? Could machines think or feel? How might artificial intelligence change our understanding of the human mind? In this course, we will explore fundamental questions about consciousness and the nature of mind through both classical philosophical debates and contemporary developments in artificial intelligence. You will engage with historical theories about the mind-body relationship while examining cutting-edge questions about artificial consciousness and the merging of human minds with AI. Through reading, discussion, and analysis, you will develop frameworks for understanding consciousness and its place in an increasingly technological world. No background in philosophy is required for this course, just a willingness to learn and engage with challenging questions, ideas, readings, and writing assignments! This is a 400-level course and will require a significant time commitment for most students. But the instructor is committed to your success. Please contact the instructor if you have any questions or concerns.