Ethics, Public Policy, and Technological Change

Catalog description

Examination of recent developments in computing technology and platforms through the lenses of philosophy, public policy, social science, and engineering. Course is organized around four main units: algorithmic decision-making and bias; data privacy and civil liberties; the power of private computing platforms; and the impact of generative AI. Each unit considers the promise, perils, rights, and responsibilities at play in technological developments. Prerequisite: CS106A. Elements used in grading: Attendance, class participation, written assignments, and coding assignments. Cross-listed with Communication (COMM 180), Computer Science (CS 182), Ethics in Society (ETHICSOC 182), Philosophy (PHIL 82), Political Science (POLISCI 182), Public Policy (PUBLPOL 182).