AI Ethics and Societal Impact

Catalog description

This course provides a rigorous examination of the sociotechnical implications of artificial intelligence. As AI transitions from experimental labs to the core of global infrastructure, doctoral candidates must grapple with the profound ethical challenges and societal transformations it triggers. Students will analyze the moral philosophy underpinning algorithmic decision-making and the systemic risks associated with automation at scale. The course explores the dual-use nature of AI, focusing on its impact on labor markets, human agency, and social equity. Students will critically evaluate the "digital divide" and the potential for AI to both solve and exacerbate global crises. Beyond theoretical ethics, the course challenges students to develop corporate AI responsibility frameworks and strategies for human-AI collaboration that prioritize well-being, safety, and democratic values in an increasingly automated world.