Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics [2490]

General Information

• Credits: 6 ECTS
• Prerequisites: baccalaureate level or equivalent; proficiency in English
• Learning format: asynchronous distance learning – 100% e-learning
• Language of instruction: English
• Course access: available at any time of year
• Disability liaison officer: Cécile Boucherle

Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics by combining conceptual, analytical, and ethical perspectives. It begins with the foundations of AI and robotics, including their definitions, history, and core concepts, before examining philosophical questions concerning intelligence, consciousness, and machine cognition. The course then explores the application of major ethical theories—including consequentialism, deontology, virtue ethics, Ubuntuism, and Divine Command Theory—to AI and robotics. Finally, it critically examines contemporary debates surrounding technoethics, privacy, surveillance, algorithmic bias, autonomous systems, and the social and economic consequences of AI, enabling students to assess the ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies.

Learning Outcomes

This course enables you to:

• grasp the key concepts and historical development of AI and robotics;
  
• discover the core functions of AI agents and their roles in various contexts;
  
• explore key concepts such as human intelligence, artificial intelligence, consciousness, and mental states, and their relevance to AI and robotics;
  
• understand and apply ethical theories to AI and robotics contexts and in relation to technological advancements;
  
• critically examine the implications of technoethics and machine ethics on society and individual rights;
  
• discuss privacy, surveillance, and data protection issues associated with AI technologies;
  
• investigate bias and discrimination in AI algorithms and the importance of accountability in AI systems; and
  
• understand the socioeconomic impacts of job displacement and economic inequality resulting from automation and AI integration.

Course Competencies

This course is linked to the following competency:

• Conduct a rigorous ethical and aesthetic analysis, including on contemporary issues. 

Course Outline

Section 1: Understanding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics

Section 2: Analytical Considerations of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

Section 3: Ethical Theories and Their Application to AI and Robotics

Section 4: Major Debates in the Ethics of AI and Robotics

Assessment Methods 

Course assessment is based on:

• tracking and completion of the course and of all learning activities. These activities, designed as essential practice and learning exercises, may be completed multiple times and are not factored into the final grade; and
• the final assessment quiz, which constitutes the graded evaluation.

Learning Format

The course is taught entirely online via the MyDomuni platform, accessible 24/7.
Learning resources include:

• written course materials;
• supplementary documents and, depending on the content, video resources;
• interactive learning activities (quizzes, exercises); and
• a discussion forum with the course instructor and fellow participants.

Prerequisites

This course is open to anyone with a general level of education equivalent to the baccalaureate, or with personal or academic experience related to the topics covered.

A good command of written English is recommended to facilitate understanding of the content and participation in the activities offered.

Accessibility

The course is accessible at any time, from any internet-connected device, via the MyDomuni platform.
For students with disabilities, specific support can be arranged upon request to ensure equitable access to course content and activities.

Disability liaison officer: cecile.boucherle@domuni.eu.

Selective Bibliography

• Mortimer J. Adler, The Four Dimensions of Philosophy: Metaphysical, Moral, Objective, Categorical, Basingstoke, Macmillan Publishers, 1993.
• Reginald E. Allen, Greek Philosophy: Thales to Aristotle. Readings in the History of Philosophy, New York, The Free Press, 1996.
• Marius Backmann, Humean Libertarianism, Hightown, Walter de Gruyter, 2013.
• Soraya Susan Behbehani, The Messenger Within: Discovering Love and Wholeness Through Meditation, New York, Mellen Research University Press, 1991.
• Silvano Borruso, A History of Philosophy for Almost Everyone, Nairobi, Daughters of St Paul, 2007.