AI and Philosophy

Catalog description

Everyone is talking about artificial intelligence. Headlines announce advances that will transform life and work in utopian ways or portend apocalypse at the hands of robot overlords. In this course we will grapple with some of the philosophical questions behind those headlines. What does it mean to call AI systems "intelligent"? Are they actually intelligent, or do they simply simulate or mimic intelligence and understanding? Could AI ever be conscious or have feelings, or does that require a biological brain (or an immaterial soul)? Would it be foolish for us to build a superintelligent machine that can outsmart and out create us in nearly every way? Would it be a good idea to insert AI in your brain to double your intelligence or creative powers? Is it strange — or perfectly natural — to have AI as a friend, therapist, or partner? No prior experience with philosophy is required — just curiosity and a willingness to think about AI in new ways.