Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview and Ethical Foundations

In this introductory week, you will delve into the fascinating world of computing, ethics, and society. You will explore the fundamental concepts of ethics and ethical frameworks, providing a solid foundation for the entire course. You will gain insights into key ethical theories, including Kantianism, Virtue Ethics, Utilitarianism, and Social Contract Theory. Through interactive discussions and engaging resources, you will understand how these theories shape our moral decision-making processes and their significance in the context of computing technologies.

Algorithmic Bias

This week, you'll explore algorithmic bias, focusing on the ethical dimensions of facial recognition technology. The beginning of the week will be dedicated to an overview of algorithmic bias, its prevalence, and its consequences. Then, you'll examine real-world instances of algorithmic bias. Towards the end of the week, you'll focus on facial recognition technology by exploring its mechanics, addressing the concerning of racial bias, and the legal and regulatory challenges.

Gender and Race in Computing

This week you'll explore the intersections of gender, race, and algorithms. In the beginning of the week, you'll revisit algorithmic bias focusing bias related to gender and race. You'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of employing AI in hiring processes and unravel the complexities of predictive policing with AI, shedding light on its drawbacks and ethical implications. Then, you'll narrow focus to Gender and Race in Algorithms, specifically addressing the pervasive issue of racial bias in AI systems. Throughout this week, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the ethical challenges posed by AI in hiring and policing, as well as the broader implications of gender and race biases in algorithms, empowering you to critically assess and navigate these critical topics in the realm of technology and ethics.

Professional Ethics, including Gender and Race in the Tech Workforce

This week is dedicated to professional ethics in computing and considerations of gender and race in the tech workforce. The first lesson will lay the foundational principles of ethical conduct in the computing industry, examining the ACM code of ethics as a guiding framework. Then, you'll explore the critical need for diversity in the workforce and the ethical considerations surrounding it. Finally, we'll spotlight real-world examples, including diversity and gender biases at tech giant Google, and delve into the compelling story of Timnit Gebru, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities in building a more inclusive and ethical computing workforce. Throughout this week, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the ethical dimensions of technology and the importance of diversity and inclusion in shaping the future of computing.

Generative AI and the Future of AI

In this final week you'll explore the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence. The beginning of the week will venture into the captivating yet challenging world of generative AI, unraveling the potential dangers of its applications while demystifying what generative AI truly entails. Then you'll look to the future of AI, where you'll navigate the complex ethical terrain that emerges as AI technologies continue to advance. Throughout this week, you will develop a profound understanding of the ethical concerns that accompany AI's evolution, equipping you with the knowledge to engage thoughtfully and responsibly with this transformative technology.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the ethical component of computing technologies, which is highly relevant to developing computing systems

Builds the learners' foundation in ethical dimensions of technology

Teaches professional skills for computing professionals, which helps learners expand their ethical skillset

Emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion, which is becoming more and more important in today's workforce

Focuses on the algorithmic bias of machine learning, which is a core concern for developers of ML and AI

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics with these activities:

Follow tutorials on data visualization

Show steps

Explore data visualization techniques to enhance your understanding of data interpretation.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

Show steps

Identify online tutorials or resources on data visualization.
Follow the tutorials and practice creating visualizations.

Build a simple machine learning model

Show steps

Start building a simple machine learning model to apply the concepts you learn in class.

Browse courses on Machine Learning

Show steps

Choose a dataset and define the problem you want to solve.
Select a machine learning algorithm and implement it.
Train and evaluate your model.
Refine your model and iterate on the process.

Join a study group to discuss course concepts

Show steps

Collaborate with peers to reinforce your understanding of course material.

Show steps

Find a study group or form one with classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss course topics and assignments.
Share notes, perspectives, and support to enhance learning.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Attend a workshop on algorithmic bias

Show steps

Gain practical insights and strategies to address algorithmic bias.

Browse courses on Algorithmic Bias

Show steps

Identify and attend a workshop on algorithmic bias.
Listen attentively and take notes on the presented material.

Read 'Ethics in the Digital Age' by Luciano Floridi

Show steps

Gain a comprehensive understanding of ethical issues in the digital age.

View The Green and the Blue: Digital Politics in... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book and take notes on key concepts and arguments.
Summarize the main ethical theories and their implications for technology.
Discuss the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence and data privacy.

Mentor a junior student in computer science

Show steps

Strengthen your understanding of course concepts by mentoring others.

Show steps

Volunteer as a mentor for a junior student.
Provide guidance on course material, projects, and career advice.
Reflect on your own understanding and identify areas for improvement.

Design a poster on the social implications of facial recognition technology

Show steps

Apply your understanding of ethical issues in facial recognition technology to create a visually engaging deliverable.

Browse courses on Facial Recognition

Show steps

Research the social implications of facial recognition technology.
Gather data and examples to support your arguments.
Design the poster using visual elements and clear messaging.

Write a blog post on the ethical challenges of generative AI

Show steps

Explore the ethical challenges of generative AI and share your insights with others.

Browse courses on Generative AI

Show steps

Research the ethical implications of generative AI.
Develop your own arguments and perspectives on these challenges.
Write a blog post that clearly communicates your ideas and insights.

Career center

Learners who complete Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

AI Engineer

AI Engineers design and develop AI systems. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help AI Engineers understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the potential for algorithmic bias and the importance of fairness and accountability. This course can help AI Engineers build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for AI Engineer

AI Researcher

AI Researchers develop new AI algorithms and techniques. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help AI Researchers understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the potential for bias in algorithms and the importance of fairness and accountability. This course can help AI Researchers build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for AI Researcher

Privacy Officer

Privacy Officers are responsible for protecting the privacy of individuals. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help Privacy Officers understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the importance of informed consent and the right to privacy. This course can help Privacy Officers build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Privacy Officer

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design, develop, and maintain machine learning algorithms. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help Machine Learning Engineers understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the potential for bias in algorithms and the importance of fairness and accountability. This course can help Machine Learning Engineers build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use their knowledge of algorithms and machine learning to solve problems, such as predicting customer behavior and improving product recommendations. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help Data Scientists understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the potential for bias in algorithms and the importance of fairness and privacy. This course can help Data Scientists build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help Software Engineers understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the potential for algorithmic bias and the importance of privacy and security. This course can help Software Engineers build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Risk Manager

Risk Managers identify and assess risks to organizations. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help Risk Managers understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the importance of considering the potential impact of AI systems on individuals and society. This course can help Risk Managers build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Compliance Officer

Compliance Officers ensure that organizations comply with laws and regulations. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help Compliance Officers understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the importance of fairness and transparency. This course can help Compliance Officers build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Compliance Officer

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies for governments and organizations. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help Policy Analysts understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the importance of considering the impact of policies on different groups of people. This course can help Policy Analysts build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help Entrepreneurs understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the importance of sustainability and social responsibility. This course can help Entrepreneurs build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Technologist

Technologists work with technology to solve problems and improve the world. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help Technologists understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the potential for unintended consequences and the importance of privacy and security. This course can help Technologists build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technologist

Product Manager

Product Managers define the vision and roadmap for products. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help Product Managers understand the ethical implications of their decisions, such as the potential for bias in algorithms and the importance of user privacy. This course can help Product Managers build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

IT Auditor

IT Auditors assess the security and compliance of IT systems. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help IT Auditors understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the importance of privacy and confidentiality. This course can help IT Auditors build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor

Consultant

Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help Consultants understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the importance of conflicts of interest and the duty to provide unbiased advice. This course can help Consultants build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help Data Analysts understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the importance of privacy and confidentiality. This course can help Data Analysts build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst