Social and Ethical Issues in Computing 22-FLFA-SEI
Topics will include:
Critical thinking and argumentation, or how to think and write like a philosopher. Introduction to ethical theories and how to apply them to contemporary problems involving information and computer technology (ICT), or how to think like an ethicist. What’s a computer?
“The attention economy”: definition and ethical issues: addiction, depression, and hijacked minds. Free speech, democracy, and misinformation on the Internet. Big Tech and regulation.
Privacy and surveillance. Value of online privacy. Privacy and consent. State surveillance: risks and benefits.
Artificial intelligence and ethics of algorithms: transparency and opacity; fairness and bias; the ethics of rule by algorithm (“algocracy”).
Artificial intelligence and automation: the ethics of autonomous cars and autonomous weapons; automation and the threat of unemployment.
Artificial intelligence: the dream of artificial minds; the ethics of superintelligent machines; the ethics of conscious machines.
Cryptocurrency: good or bad?
Cycle of studies
Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
After finishing the course, students will be able to:
- Gain a basic understanding of philosophical methodology and the methods of pursuing questions in applied/practical ethics
- Recognize the relevance of ethical considerations to our engagement with computing technology
- Critically engage with philosophical ideas verbally and in writing
- Acquire an in-depth understanding of ethical problems involved in everyday use of technology and those that may arise with the future development of technology
- Develop clear and well-justified views on ethical subjects relating to computing technology
- Develop an ability to present their ideas in a clear and precise way
Assessment criteria
Short written responses
Participation in discussion
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: