Course Syllabus

The Age of AI: Ethics and Public Policy

Course Description

New digital technologies come with great possibilities and great risks. In this course we explore the opportunities and potential consequences of artificial intelligence (AI) and similar technological breakthroughs. Accompanied by radical uncertainty, these technologies highlight the role of regulatory authorities and, while some argue that focusing on a precautionary principle may cause us to miss out on the positive potentials, others believe politial action is necessary when there are threats of serious irreversible damage and a lack of full scientific certainty.  

How should we proceed, which is the most ethical course of action? Understanding the meaning of these  technologies requires a contextual examination of power, business models, and the metaphors shaping our institutions and our understanding. Against this backdrop, we will delve into the development and regulation of web 2.0, and scrutinize recent attempts to regulate this and new types of generative AI. 

In class, we will begin by actively engaging with real-world problems, allowing us to explore relevant ethical theories bridging these with a political reality. Through this exploration, you will be able to develop your own perspectives and arguments. Active class participation is crucial for all participants as the course will attempt to leave us all fit for a life in the age of AI. 

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Understand and discuss some of the main ethical and political ideas underpinning, driving and forming the development and our understanding of new digital technologies.
• Critically reflect on the intersection between contemporary online business models, technology and power. 
• Demonstrate a cross-disciplinary view on the interplay between AI, politics and ethics.
• Consider different positions on these hyper complex issues and make your own informed choices. 

Faculty

Mie Oehlenschläger
Tech policy expert advising private and public actors both nationally and internationally (2022-2024). Mie has been appointed to an Independent Tech Expert Group to support the Government’s work on setting the framework for Big Tech in Denmark and the EU. More over she has been appointed as a member of The Danish Council of Ethics (2022-2025) and she has been appointed by the Minister of Culture a member of the Danish Welfare Commission for Children and Youth (2023-2024).

Mie is the author of a number of analyses and reports including "Big Tech - Soft Power" (July 2023), "Online games gamble with children's data"(April 2021) and "Green Paper on initiatives to protect children online" (December 2021) and various articles.

Mie is a has given expert advice to the The US Future of Tech Commission and used to be a writing member of the Danish DJØF's TechDK Commission. Mie has years of professional experience with Strategic Communications, Campaigning, CSR and Public Affairs. M.A., Modern Culture and Cultural Communication (University of Copenhagen, 2008), B.A. Comparative Literature (University of Copenhagen, 2003). With DIS since 2018.

Readings

Below are a few examples of the readings from this course. You will find all the readings in the calendar. Please notice they are alle subject to change. 

• Nita A. Farahany (2022): The Battle for Your Brain - defending the right to think freely in the age of neurotechnology  
• Markus D. Dubber et al (2020): The Oxford Handbook of Ethics of AI
• Boddington, Paula (2023): AI Ethics A Textbook, Springer. 

Expectations of the Students

We put a very strong emphasis on participation and active listening - and in disciplined use of screens in the class room according to class rules. 

Grading

A word about grades 

I realize that grades are important to you, but try not to let your anxiety about grades deter you from taking intellectual risks and learning just for the joy of learning. I do not grade to punish or reward you just as my grade is not an indication of my evaluation of you as a person. I grade you to give you my honest assessment of your academic performance. 

Teaching methods

There is a strong emphasis on participation and class discussions and while I am responsible for the overall structure of the class, everyone of us  will contribute to the production of knowledge. Although there are some lectures and guest lectures, the class will mainly be student driven through (small and large) group work and debates. 

Overall, the aim is to create a classroom space characterized by respect and willingness to listen/consider others’ perspectives, where it is safe to explore ideas together and individually, even when they are not fully conceptualized or thought through. This requires a great amount of trust in each other and a willingness and curiosity to consider each other’s arguments.

Be aware that there can be large amount of reading material in this class which is reflected in the fact - and this is covered under the weightful 40 pct. participation grade.

Academic Regulations

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:

• Course Enrollment and Grading
• Academic Expectations and Honor Code

DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org