Computation and Critique in Digital Media

Catalog description

Artificial intelligence research has always been accompanied by optimistic claims about what computers can do and critiques exposing what they can’t. This course tracks the historical and philosophical frameworks of such controversies. Through case studies, the seminar examines the development of AI programs and critical reflections on them. It focuses on the intersection among theories of subjectivity and the project of building intelligent artifacts. The course ends by investigating recent theoretical discussions of algorithmic processes and instrumental reason.