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PH5065: AI AND DATA: ETHICAL AND LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS (2021-2022)

Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:05


Course Overview

This course will introduce and investigate a number of legal and ethical issues around the ethics of technology, particularly around the ethics of artificial intelligence. We will address questions such as the moral status of artificial agents; the difference, if any, between human rights and artificial rights, problems of data bias. We will also consider the question of responsibility in this arena and review regulatory frameworks. This course would be of interest to students from computer science, philosophy, law and health sciences.

Course Details

Study Type Postgraduate Level 5
Session First Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Paula Sweeney

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Postgraduate Programme

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

On this course, students will learn basic philosophical and legal methodology and apply that methodology to the growing range of issues and questions concerning regarding AI and data. We will begin by asking whether we should place moral or legal limits on our ability to make technological process in AI or whether we should only be limited by what is practically achievable. We will then ask what it would take for artificial agents to be considered moral agents and whether we may already engage with moral artificial agents in our everyday lives. We will consider the curent regulator and legal framework and look to future directions of regulatory development. Finally, we will consider a number of case studies that prompt complex considerations around ethical and legal responsibility.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

Reflective Report

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Students will prepare a paper as in for an ethics committee around a product that is suggested to them.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualEvaluateStudents will have the ability to critically engage with written texts
ConceptualUnderstandStudents will understand the philosophical and legal concepts and technology required to enter into this debate at a basic level.
ConceptualUnderstandStudents will be able to understand, evaluate and debate the ethical and legal implications arising from technological progress.
ReflectionAnalyseStudents will reflect on their new knowledge and apply it to a practical example.

Oral Presentation: Group

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Students will work in groups on one side of a debate around either of the two case studies. They will present their groups arguments and engage in defending a position. The assessment may take place at any time during the semester. Feedback is provided within 15 working days of the presentation.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualEvaluateStudents will have the ability to critically engage with written texts
ConceptualUnderstandStudents will be able to understand, evaluate and debate the ethical and legal implications arising from technological progress.
ProceduralUnderstandStudents will communicate their progress clearly and accessibly, both orally and in writing

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback Word Count 2000
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualUnderstandStudents will be able to understand, evaluate and debate the ethical and legal implications arising from technological progress.
ProceduralUnderstandStudents will communicate their progress clearly and accessibly, both orally and in writing
ConceptualEvaluateStudents will develop critical thinking skills.
ConceptualUnderstandStudents will understand the philosophical and legal concepts and technology required to enter into this debate at a basic level.
ConceptualEvaluateStudents will have the ability to critically engage with written texts
ReflectionAnalyseStudents will reflect on their new knowledge and apply it to a practical example.

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