Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence: Foundations, 7.5 Credits

Contents

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.

Expected learning outcomes

After having completed the course students will have: 

Knowledge and understanding: 

• displayed knowledge and understanding of central concepts, theories, arguments, and problems in the foundations of artificial intelligence; 
• displayed knowledge and understanding of philosophical issues about personal identity, the nature of intelligence, consciousness, and cognition; 

Skill and ability: 

• displayed an ability to write philosophical texts of good linguistic quality; 
• displayed an ability to produce and assess arguments concerning the course materials; 

 Judgement and approach: 

• displayed an understanding of strengths and weaknesses of central theories and arguments in the philosophical debate about the foundations of artificial intelligence. 

Required Knowledge

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.

Form of instruction

The course consists of seminars and lectures, essay writing and discussion. If the course is given online, the teaching and student activities will be internet-based.  
Students are required to have access to a computer and a stable internet connection.

Examination modes

The examination consists of writing assignments (which may include, e.g., multiple choice tests) and active participation in seminars. On the course as a whole, the grades given are Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with Distinction (VG). In order to pass the course as a whole, all mandatory parts must be passed as well. The final grade of the course is a summary assessment of the results, and the course is passed only after all mandatory parts are passed. 

Students who fail the examination have a right to retake the examination within two months after the first examination, and once again within a year. A student who has passed an examination may not be re-examined.  

Students who have twice failed a test for a course or part of the course have the right to request from the Faculty director of studies at Faculty of Arts that another examiner be appointed to determine grades unless special reasons contradict this. 

Deviations from the examination form of the syllabus can be made for a student who has decisions on pedagogical support due to disability. Individual adaptation of the examination form should be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the expected study results of the syllabus. At the request of the student, the teacher responsible for the course, in consultation with the examiner, must quickly decide on the adapted examination form. The decision should then be communicated to the student. 

In the event that the syllabus expires or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the regular examination) according to the regulations of the syllabus on which the student was originally registered for a maximum period of two years from the end of the previous syllabus or the course has ceased to be offered.