Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence: Minds, Machines and Meaning (Level 7)

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 7
• Convenors and tutors: Dr Alex Grzankowski, Dr Sophia Connell
• Assessment: a 2000-word essay (40%) and 2500-word essay (60%)

In this interdisciplinary module we explore the complex interplay between philosophy, cognitive science and artificial intelligence (AI). We will delve deep into the fundamental questions surrounding the nature of mind, consciousness and intelligence, while critically examining the implications of advancements in AI, and ask:

• What is the nature of consciousness?
• How do minds emerge from physical brains?
• Can machines think?

You will be encouraged to engage critically with classical philosophical texts as well as contemporary debates in the philosophy of AI. The module is designed to be accessible to students from diverse academic backgrounds, including philosophy, psychology, computer science and neuroscience. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, this module aims to equip you with the analytical tools and critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complex intersection of minds, brains and machines in the twenty-first century.

Indicative syllabus

• AI and cognition
• AI and learning
• AI and consciousness
• AI and linguistic meaning
• AI interpretability and alignment
• Using AI in the sciences

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• explain the fundamental philosophical questions regarding the nature of mind, consciousness and intelligence, and their implications for AI
• critically analyse classical and contemporary philosophical texts that address the emergence of minds from physical systems and the nature of consciousness
• evaluate the arguments for and against the possibility of machine intelligence and the implications of these debates for AI development
• apply philosophical theories and cognitive science principles to assess the current advancements in AI and their potential to replicate or simulate human cognitive processes
• engage in interdisciplinary discussions that integrate perspectives from philosophy, psychology, cognitive science and AI to address complex questions about minds and machines
• develop coherent and well-argued positions on the nature of consciousness and machine intelligence, supported by critical engagement with philosophical literature and scientific research
• communicate complex ideas about mind, consciousness and AI clearly and effectively in both written and oral forms
• conduct independent research on a specific question related to the module’s themes, culminating in a well-structured and analytically rigorous paper.