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Maria Hedlund, Lena Lindström, and Erik Persson

Artificial Intelligence: Ethics & Societal Challenges is a four-week course that explores ethical and societal aspects of the increasing use of artificial intelligent technologies (AI). The aim of the course is to raise awareness of ethical and societal aspects of AI and to stimulate reflection and discussion upon implications of the use of AI in society.

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Artificial Intelligence: Ethics & Societal Challenges is a four-week course that explores ethical and societal aspects of the increasing use of artificial intelligent technologies (AI). The aim of the course is to raise awareness of ethical and societal aspects of AI and to stimulate reflection and discussion upon implications of the use of AI in society.

The course consists of four modules where each module represents about one week of part-time studies. A module includes a number of lectures and readings. Each lesson finishes with a mandatory assignment in which you write a short sum-up of the most important new knowledge/insight you gained from this lesson, and review a lesson sum-up written by another student/participant. The assessments are intended to encourage learning and to stimulate reflection on ethical and societal issues of the use of AI in society. Participating in forum discussions is voluntary but strongly encouraged.

In the first module, we will discuss algorithmic bias and surveillance. Is it really true that algorithms are purely logical and free from human biases or are they maybe just as biased as we are, and if they are, why is that and what can we do about it? AI in many ways makes surveillance more effective, but what does it mean to us if we are increasingly being watched in more and more sophisticated ways?

Next, we will talk about the impact of AI on democracy. We discuss why democracy is important, and how AI could hamper public democratic discussion, but also how it can help improve democracy. We will for instance talk about how social media could play in the hands of authoritarian regimes and present some ideas on how to make use of AI tools to develop the functioning of democracy.

A further ethical question concerns whether our treatment of AI could matter for the AIs themselves. Can artefacts be conscious? What do we even mean by “conscious”? What is the relationship between consciousness and intelligence? This is the topic of the third week of the course.

In the last module we will talk about responsibility and control. If an autonomous car hits an autonomous robot, who is responsible? And who is responsible to make sure AI is developed in a safe and democratic way?

The last question of the course, and maybe also the ultimate question for our species, is how to control machines that are more intelligent than we are. Our intelligence has given us a lot of power over the world we live in. Shall we really give that power away to machines and if we do, how do we stay in charge?

At the end of the course, you will have

· a basic understanding of the AI bias phenomenon and the role of AI in surveillance,

· a basic understanding of the importance of democracy in relation to AI and acquaintance with common issues with democracy in relation to AI,

· an understanding of the complexity of the concepts ‘intelligence’ and ‘consciousness’ and acquaintance with common approaches to creating artificial consciousness,

· a basic understanding of the concepts of ‘forward-looking’ and ‘backward-looking responsibility’ and an acquaintance with problems connected to applying these concepts on AI,

· a basic understanding of the control problem in AI and acquaintance with commonly discussed solutions to this problem,

· and an ability to discuss and reflect upon the ethical and societal aspects of these issues.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Algorithmic Bias and Surveillance
Democracy
Artificial Consciousness
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Responsibility and Control

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores ethical and societal aspects of artificial intelligent technologies, which is standard in the field of artificial intelligence
Taught by Maria Hedlund, Lena Lindström, Erik Persson, who are recognized for their work in the field of artificial intelligence
Develops an understanding of the ethical and societal implications of artificial intelligence, which helps learners navigate the challenges of AI in society
Examines concepts related to algorithmic bias, surveillance, democracy, artificial consciousness, responsibility, and control in AI, which is highly relevant to the societal impact of AI
Offers a multi-modal learning experience with lectures, readings, and discussions, which enhances engagement and understanding
Requires active participation in forum discussions, which promotes critical thinking and peer learning

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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 Artificial Intelligence: Ethics & Societal Challenges with these activities:
Identify and reach out to experts in AI ethics or societal challenges
Connects you with experienced professionals who can provide guidance, share insights, and offer valuable career advice.
Browse courses on AI Ethics
Show steps
  • Attend industry events or conferences where AI ethics and societal challenges are discussed.
  • Engage with experts on LinkedIn or other professional networking platforms.
  • Reach out to professors or researchers in the field and express your interest in connecting.
Read 'Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach' by Stuart Russell and Peter Norvig
Provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental concepts and algorithms in artificial intelligence, helping you build a strong foundation for understanding the course material.
Show steps
  • Acquire the book from a library or bookstore.
  • Read and take notes on the introductory chapters to familiarize yourself with the basic concepts of AI.
  • Work through the exercises and problems at the end of each chapter to test your understanding.
Follow tutorials on AI ethics and societal challenges
Guides you through specific aspects of AI ethics and societal challenges, reinforcing your understanding of the course topics.
Browse courses on AI Ethics
Show steps
  • Identify reputable sources of tutorials on AI ethics and societal challenges, such as Coursera, edX, or YouTube channels.
  • Select tutorials that cover topics relevant to the course material.
  • Complete the tutorials, taking notes on key concepts and insights.
  • Reflect on how the tutorial content relates to the course discussions.
Five other activities
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Attend workshops or seminars on AI ethics and societal challenges
Exposes you to new perspectives, cutting-edge research, and practical applications of AI ethics and societal challenges, complementing the theoretical knowledge gained in the course.
Browse courses on AI Ethics
Show steps
  • Identify workshops or seminars relevant to AI ethics and societal challenges.
  • Register for the events and actively participate in the discussions and activities.
  • Network with other attendees and speakers to expand your knowledge and professional connections.
Volunteer with organizations focused on AI ethics and societal impact
Provides hands-on experience in addressing real-world ethical and societal challenges related to AI, deepening your understanding of their practical implications.
Browse courses on AI Ethics
Show steps
  • Identify organizations working in the field of AI ethics and societal impact.
  • Research their mission and values to find organizations that align with your interests.
  • Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Actively participate in volunteer activities and engage with the organization's members and beneficiaries.
Participate in online discussions or study groups
Provides opportunities to engage with peers, exchange ideas, and clarify your understanding of ethical and societal issues raised in the course.
Show steps
  • Identify online discussion forums or study groups related to AI ethics and societal challenges.
  • Join the discussions and actively participate by sharing your perspectives and responding to others' posts.
  • Engage in respectful dialogue, listening to different viewpoints and considering alternative perspectives.
Contribute to open-source projects or initiatives related to AI ethics
Involves you in the practical application of AI ethics principles, fosters collaboration, and contributes to the development of ethical and responsible AI solutions.
Browse courses on AI Ethics
Show steps
  • Identify open-source projects or initiatives working on AI ethics or societal challenges.
  • Explore the project's documentation and codebase to understand its goals and technical implementation.
  • Identify areas where you can contribute your skills and knowledge to improve the project.
  • Submit your contributions for review and integration into the project.
Write a blog post or article on an AI ethics or societal challenge topic
Encourages you to synthesize your knowledge, develop your critical thinking skills, and communicate your understanding of ethical and societal issues related to AI.
Browse courses on AI Ethics
Show steps
  • Choose a specific topic related to AI ethics or societal challenges that you find particularly interesting or challenging.
  • Research the topic thoroughly, gathering information from credible sources.
  • Organize your thoughts and ideas into a coherent outline.
  • Write the blog post or article, ensuring clarity, conciseness, and proper referencing.
  • Publish your article on a reputable platform or share it with peers for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Artificial Intelligence: Ethics & Societal Challenges will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
AI Ethicist
AI Ethicists study and advise on the ethical and societal impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. This course provides a foundational understanding of AI biases, surveillance, democracy, artificial consciousness, responsibility, and control. These concepts are crucial for AI Ethicists to make informed judgments and recommendations on the development and implementation of AI systems.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use their expertise in data analysis and machine learning to solve complex problems. This course provides a strong foundation in AI ethics and societal challenges, which is becoming increasingly important as Data Scientists work with large datasets and AI models that can have significant societal impacts.
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning Engineers design, develop, and deploy machine learning models. This course provides a solid understanding of the ethical considerations and societal implications of machine learning, enabling Machine Learning Engineers to create responsible and impactful solutions.
Privacy Analyst
Privacy Analysts ensure that organizations comply with privacy regulations and protect user data. This course provides a thorough understanding of AI-related privacy concerns, such as algorithmic bias, surveillance, and data security, empowering Privacy Analysts to effectively address these challenges.
AI Policy Advisor
AI Policy Advisors provide expert advice to governments and organizations on the development of AI policies. This course equips learners with a comprehensive understanding of the ethical and societal challenges posed by AI, enabling them to make informed recommendations and shape AI policies that promote responsible innovation.
Tech Policy Analyst
Tech Policy Analysts research and analyze the impact of technology on society and policy. This course provides a strong foundation in the ethical and societal implications of AI, enabling Tech Policy Analysts to make informed recommendations on the development and regulation of AI technologies.
AI Researcher
AI Researchers conduct fundamental research in the field of Artificial Intelligence. This course exposes learners to various ethical and societal aspects of AI, broadening their perspective and enabling them to consider the broader implications of their research.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. While this course may not directly teach software engineering skills, it provides valuable insights into the ethical considerations and societal impacts of software, particularly AI-powered software, which can inform Software Engineers' design and development decisions.
Product Manager
Product Managers oversee the development and launch of products. This course helps Product Managers understand the ethical and societal implications of AI, enabling them to make informed decisions about product features and marketing strategies.
UX Designer
UX Designers create user interfaces for products and services. This course provides UX Designers with a deeper understanding of AI ethics and societal challenges, enabling them to design AI-powered products that are user-friendly, responsible, and inclusive.
Journalist
Journalists report on news and current events. This course provides Journalists with a comprehensive understanding of the ethical and societal implications of AI, enabling them to accurately and responsibly report on the impact of AI on society.
Lawyer
Lawyers advise clients on legal matters and represent them in court. This course provides Lawyers with a strong foundation in AI ethics and societal challenges, enabling them to navigate the complex legal and regulatory landscape surrounding AI.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies. This course provides Policy Analysts with a solid understanding of the ethical and societal implications of AI, enabling them to make informed recommendations on AI-related policies.
Consultant
Consultants provide expert advice to businesses and organizations. This course equips Consultants with a comprehensive understanding of AI ethics and societal challenges, enabling them to advise clients on the responsible adoption and implementation of AI technologies.
Academic
Academics conduct research and teach at universities. This course provides Academics with a solid foundation in AI ethics and societal challenges, enabling them to incorporate these perspectives into their research and teaching, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in this field.

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Artificial Intelligence: Ethics & Societal Challenges.
A thought-provoking exploration of the potential risks and benefits of artificial intelligence, and the importance of developing strategies to ensure that AI is used for good.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical and legal issues surrounding responsibility and control in AI, and explores the challenges of ensuring that AI systems are developed and used in a responsible and ethical manner.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical issues surrounding the use of algorithms, and explores how to design algorithms that are fair, transparent, and accountable.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the potential implications of artificial intelligence for humanity, including the possibility of a future in which machines surpass humans in intelligence.
Provides a philosophical exploration of the concept of artificial consciousness, and examines the challenges of creating artificial systems that are truly conscious.
Provides a practical guide to developing and deploying AI systems that are responsible, ethical, and aligned with human values.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the problem of algorithmic bias, and explores a range of techniques for detecting and mitigating it.
Provides a critical examination of the use of algorithms in society, and explores the risks and harms that they can pose.

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