Advances in artificial intelligence and the widespread use of computers in society confront us with many interesting philosophical questions. What is computation? Is AI really intelligence? Could computers ever think or feel?Is the Turing test a good test? Are we really computers? Are there decisions computers should never make? Do computers threaten our privacy in special ways? Should AI be regulated, and how? We survey some of the controversies and puzzles that AI has provoked.
4
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeGraduate students only
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeExcellent professor!
There are some professors who you know knows their stuff just by listening to them speak. He is one of them. And it didn't even take 10% of his ability teaching this class. Lots of readings on relevant topics in AI basics and Phil of AI; never had more enjoyable lectures than his. Choice of final paper (topic of your relevant interest) or exam.
Course grade was based on one of three grading options: 2 midterms at 50%, two midterms at 25% & final at 50%, or final at 100%. Professor Allen is very passionate, this course was just difficult to succeed in due to the complex nature of the subject and the difficult exams (avg on midterm 1 was 64% w/ no curve, no partial credit). Read.
Adina Roskies
1.6