AI Ethics

Have you ever heard someone say that AI could take over the world? As drastic as that may sound, AI poses substantial ethical risks to businesses, people, and anyone taking advantage of the technology. Therefore, learning the ethical theories and legal frameworks surrounding AI is critical for anyone using AI tools. This course will explore the ethical standards and legal requirements in AI deployment, covering topics such as bias, privacy, and governance.

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Syllabus

Course Topics

Foundations of Ethics in AI

Explore AI Ethics by examining the fundamental ethical theories that support responsible AI deployment to minimize negative externalities.

Addressing Bias and Fairness

Analyze the critical issues of bias and fairness in AI systems, learn how these problems arise, and explore strategies for their mitigation. Understand the importance of designing AI that serves all users equitably.

Ensuring Robustness and Explainability

Explore the concepts of robustness and explainability in AI, emphasizing the need for AI systems that are resilient, reliable, transparent, and understandable to users.

Privacy and Accountability

Learn about the ethical considerations for balancing technological advancement with privacy protection. You will explore the responsibilities of AI developers to create systems that respect individual privacy rights and the accountability measures needed to ensure ethical deployment.

Authorship and Copyright

Address the ethical questions surrounding authorship in the era of AI and understand who holds legal ownership over AI-generated content. This topic will also consider the ethical implications of using copyrighted materials to train AI systems, the potential for AI to infringe on existing copyrights, and whether AI-generated creations can or should be granted copyright or patent protections.

Governance of AI

Explore AI governance, focusing on legal requirements and regulatory frameworks essential for compliance. Learn how companies can navigate these standards to ensure ethical AI deployment and adhere to regulatory environments that govern AI use, promoting responsible and lawful practices.

The Future of Work with AI

Examine the impact of AI on the future of work, including the challenges and opportunities it presents. Discuss the ethical considerations around job displacement, new job creation, and the changing nature of work.

Understanding Systemic and Societal Risks of AI

Explore the potential long-term impacts of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) on industries, societies, and the purpose of work. Understand why developing highly autonomous and powerful AI systems raises unique ethical and practical concerns, the safeguards that might be necessary to mitigate these risks, and the counterarguments to the perceived dangers of AGI and ASI.

Course Level

200

Skills Covered

  • Ethical Standards And Conduct
  • Accountability
  • Governance
  • Risk Management
  • Risk Analysis
  • Process Improvement
  • Decision Making
  • Presentations
  • Communication

Common Prerequisites

All courses listed may not be required. Discuss with your advisor to learn more.

  • AI for Everyone

Disclosure

This course is delivered online through an institution of the Lower Cost Models Consortium (LCMC) that is different than your degree-granting institution that awards the academic credit for the course.