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  • PHIL 117

    • Philosophy of Computing and Artificial Intelligence . PHIL 117

    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 inspecial ways? Should AI be regulated, and how? We will survey some of the controversies and puzzles that AI has provoked.

    Prerequisites: A course from PHIL 100A-F, or two prior courses in philosophy.

    4

    Units

    Optional

    Grading

    1

    Passtime

    None

    Level Limit

    Letters and science

    College
    These majors only phil
    Instructors
    ALLEN C
    Colin Allen
    3.5
    4 reviews
    Predicted Grading Distribution
    AI predicted, based on past grading trends of the course and instructor, class info, and 127 other factors
    Lecture
    PHELP1440
    M W
    11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
    0 / 35
    Enrollment Trends
    Past Enrollment Trends (3)
    See All
    Fall 2024 . Allen C
    PHELP2532
    T R
    11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
    Fall 2025 . Allen C
    PHELP1508
    M W
    09:30 AM - 10:45 AM
    Grading Trends (3)
    See All
    PHIL 117 Allen C Fall 2025 Total: 33
    PHIL 117 Allen C Fall 2024 Total: 33
    Rate My Professors
    5
    3.5
    PHIL117 . Allen C 2 Months Ago

    Great Professor Distinguished Scholar UC Legend and UC Hidden Gem. Compliment from UC Davis Class 2017.

    0 helpful 0 unhelpful
    PHIL117 . Allen C 1 Year, 4 Months Ago

    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.

    0 helpful 0 unhelpful
    PHIL183 . Allen C 2 Months Ago

    sound like a really frustrated guy.

    0 helpful 0 unhelpful
    PHIL183 . Allen C 10 Months Ago

    Excellent professor!

    0 helpful 0 unhelpful
    PHIL183 . Allen C 2 Years Ago

    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.

    0 helpful 0 unhelpful
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