AI003 Ethics of AI

Faculty of Arts
Autumn 2024
Extent and Intensity
0/0/0. 2 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Synchronous online teaching
Teacher(s)
PhDr. Petr Škyřík, Ph.D. (seminar tutor)
Mgr. Kateřina Švidrnochová (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
PhDr. Petr Škyřík, Ph.D.
Department of Information and Library Studies – Faculty of Arts
Contact Person: Mgr. Alice Lukavská
Supplier department: Department of Information and Library Studies – Faculty of Arts
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 150 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 133/150, only registered: 5/150, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/150
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 11 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
In collaboration with prg.ai, we are running an international online course that introduces learners to artificial intelligence. The course builds on AI001 Elements of AI and AI002 Building AI and covers topics such as accountability, transparency, human rights, justice and practical applications of ethics in AI. The course aims to help learners develop skills in ethical thinking in relation to AI. The course objectives are related to the following topics: Introduction to AI ethics: understanding the ethical aspects of AI, emphasis on safety and responsibility. Module 1: Foundations of AI ethics: How to ensure that AI does no harm. Responsibility: Who is responsible for AI decisions? Module 2: Transparency and Fairness Transparency: Ensuring that AI decisions are understandable. Fairness: Preventing discrimination and bias in AI systems. Module 3: Human rights and AI Respect for rights: protecting privacy and freedom. Module 4: Practical Applications Case studies: Real-world applications of AI and ethical dilemmas. Final project Applying theory to practice: Developing ethical principles for a specific AI application.
Learning outcomes
1.Understanding basic ethical principles in AI - Understanding what ethics is and how it applies to the development and use of AI. - Recognition of the main philosophical approaches to ethics (utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics) and their application to AI. 2. Exploring specific ethical issues in AI - Analysis of issues related to discrimination, data distortion and social injustice caused by AI. - Understanding issues related to privacy, surveillance, and individual autonomy. 3. AI and social impact - Assessing the impact of AI on the labour market, education, healthcare, justice and other areas. - Assessing the role of AI in automating decision-making and potential risks such as loss of human control. 4. Regulation and governance of AI - Understanding the current legal frameworks and standards governing the use of AI at national and global levels. - Ability to identify gaps in current AI regulation and suggest possible improvements. 5. Designing ethically responsible AI - Ability to apply ethical principles in the development and implementation of AI systems. - Recognition of how to incorporate ethical values such as transparency, fairness and accountability into AI design. 6. Critical thinking about the future of AI - Reflection on the relationship between AI and human autonomy, responsibility for decisions, and trust in AI systems. - Understanding the implications of AI development for the future of humanity, including possible superintelligence scenarios. 7. Developing argumentation and discussion skills - Ability to formulate and defend an ethical position on AI. - Participate in debates on controversial issues such as the use of AI in the military, surveillance or predictive policing. 8. Interdisciplinary approach to AI - Recognising the importance of collaboration between technical experts, philosophers, lawyers and other actors in the development of AI. - The ability to integrate knowledge from different disciplines in addressing ethical issues related to AI.
Syllabus
  • The Ethics of AI is a free online course created by the University of Helsinki. The course is for anyone who is interested in the ethical aspects of AI. The aim is to encourage people to learn what AI ethics means, what can and can’t be done to develop AI in an ethically sustainable way, and how to start thinking about AI from an ethical point of view. Artificial intelligence is already a part of our daily lives. When we post pictures to social media, search online or ask questions from chatbots, we’re interacting with AI. Authorities, such as cities, rely on AI for providing public services. And governments are seeking solutions to global problems by using algorithmically produced knowledge. The goal of this course is to help you to develop your own skills for ethical thinking. You can complete the course at your own pace. This course is divided into following chapters: Introduction Non-maleficence Accountability Transparency Human Rights Fairness AI ethics in practice
Teaching methods
homework
Assessment methods
At the end of the semester, you must complete a reflective questionnaire and send a link to the certificate that is issued after your successful completion of the course.
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught each semester.
General note: Kurz je dostupný online na https://ethics-of-ai.mooc.fi/, studenti na něm pracují samostatně dle svých možností.
Information on the extent and intensity of the course: asynchronní e-learning.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2025.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/phil/autumn2024/AI003