Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence: Foundations 7.5 credits

About the course

This course is an introduction to central philosophical issues about the foundations of artificial intelligence. It focuses on questions like: What is intelligence? How will the intelligence of artificial systems be different from ours? Will they be capable of thinking? Can artificial systems be conscious? What is the difference between symbolic reasoning machines and connectionist networks? How does deep learning work? Should we try to mimic the human mind when developing intelligent machines? When (if ever) will superintelligent machines occur? And what are the philosophical implications of simulating our own minds in machines? The main focus will be on foundational texts from philosophy and the study of artificial intelligence.

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Autumn 2025
- Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence: Foundations
  
  Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
  
  Autumn 2025 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Submit a late application
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Starts
  3 November 2025
  
  Ends
  18 January 2026
  
  Number of credits
  7.5 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  50%
  
  Teaching hours
  Daytime
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-17020
  
  Eligibility 90 ECTS credits in philosophy, cognitive science, computer science, informatics, psychology, linguistics, mathematics, biology, or equivalent, or a Degree encompassing at least 180 ECTS credits, or equivalent (previous higher education studies in at least one of the subjects listed is highly recommended). Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
  
  Selection
  Academic credits
  
  Application
  Application deadline was 15 April 2025. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Submit a late application at Universityadmissions.se.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 12,075
  
  Total fee: SEK 12,075
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding
- Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence: Foundations
  
  Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
  
  Autumn 2025 / Varied / English / Web-based (online)
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Starts
  3 November 2025
  
  Ends
  18 January 2026
  
  Number of credits
  7.5 credits
  
  Type of studies
  Web-based (online)
  
  Mandatory meetings
  No mandatory meetings
  
  Other meetings
  None
  
  Study pace
  50%
  
  Teaching hours
  Mixed
  
  Study location
  Varied
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-17025
  
  Outline for distance course
  For the course, a computer (Windows 10 or later or macOS), stable internet and a headset and webcam are recommended. The possibilities of using the learning platform Canvas via mobile or tablet are limited. Chrome or Firefox are recommended as browsers.
  
  Eligibility 90 ECTS credits in philosophy, cognitive science, computer science, informatics, psychology, linguistics, mathematics, biology, or equivalent, or a Degree encompassing at least 180 ECTS credits, or equivalent (previous higher education studies in at least one of the subjects listed is highly recommended). Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
  
  Selection
  Academic credits
  
  Application
  Application deadline was 15 April 2025. The application period is closed. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 12,075
  
  Total fee: SEK 12,075
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

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