University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: To be confirmed.

Artificial Intelligence is a huge factor in our lives today, and it has many significant philosophical implications. Questions to be addressed in this module may include: What is AI? What is artificial general intelligence? Can AI systems have minds? Are Large Language Models just “stochastic parrots”? Can AI systems be conscious? Can they have free will? Are they in the domain of reason? Can AI systems have emotions and moods? Can AI systems suffer? Can they become mentally ill? Should we treat some AI systems as “moral patients”? In what way do AI systems exhibit and embed bias? Can AI systems exhibit genuine creativity? Should we think of AI as a new genus of creature (with species and varieties)? Can social robots become genuine partners, carers, and lovers? Can a social robot be murdered? Should autonomous AI be employed in warfare? Does AI threaten democracy and the rule of law? Does AI threaten our privacy? Will AI make humans redundant?

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass PY1012 or pass PY1006

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: Students will attend 3 hours of classes (lectures and seminars) per week. The staff member will also hold weekly office hour for consultation with students on this module

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%


Re-assessment: Coursework = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr P M Greenough
Module teaching staff: Dr Patrick Greenough, Dr Bradley Hillier-Smith
Module coordinator email pmg2@st-andrews.ac.uk