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

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 7
• Convenors and tutors: Dr Alex Grzankowski
  
• 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:

• demonstrate a deep and systematic understanding of fundamental philosophical questions regarding the nature of mind, consciousness, and intelligence, and their implications for AI
• demonstrate a thorough understanding of classical and contemporary philosophical texts that address the emergence of minds from physical systems, and the nature of consciousness, and their relevance to questions in other areas of philosophy and cognitive science
• develop critical responses to different philosophical theories, and arguments for and against the possibility of machine intelligence, suggesting new concepts or approaches
• flexibly and creatively apply philosophical and cognitive science principles to critically challenge current advancements in AI and their potential to replicate or simulate human cognitive processes, while situating these discussions in broader philosophical debates
• understand and communicate complex ideas about mind, consciousness, and AI at a high level of abstraction while demonstrating a deep grasp of a range of interdisciplinary sources
• construct detailed, complex arguments for thought-out positions on the nature of consciousness and machine intelligence, which appropriately deploy advanced philosophical and scientific methodologies.