PHI 051 A-Z - Explorations in PhilosophySemester Hours: 1-4
Exploration of a topic, issue, question or theme in philosophy or in the contemporary context that has significant philosophical aspects to it. The subject matter will vary from semester to semester. Examples of possible course topics, issues, questions or themes are, morality in the marketplace; philosophical perspectives on health and wellness; how is “truthiness” different from truth? what are facts and are there “alternative facts”? Course may be repeated with new subject matter.
Current Special Topics
PHI 051A: Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence
Intelligent creatures use tools. The smarter the tool, the less intelligent work the user has to do. In the last 70 years or so, we have been creating tools that are themselves intelligent: what we call “artificial intelligence” (AI). In this class, we examine the following questions about AI, among others: (1) What is it? What is the technology like (at present)? (2) What cognitive or psychological properties do the systems actually have: for example, are they intelligent? sentient? can one fall in love? lie? (3) If they don’t have properties like these now, could they? What are the limits to this kind of technology? (3) What should we be doing about AI now? Is government control necessary or even possible at this point? (4) What next? What will AI be like in 5, 50, or 500 years? How will it change us? Are we on the verge of turning into something that is no longer “human”?
PHI 051D: Dangerous Ideas
Each week a faculty member from a different department will explore a concept that has shaped human experience across time and space. The course is available only on a pass/D+/D/fail basis.
Ideas matter. Concepts such as cultural identity, the meaning of food, democracy, faith, race, freedom, and gender, have inspired social movements, shaped ways of life and political systems, and dramatically influenced the lives of individuals. Scientific ideas (such as evolution, species extinction, and climate science) and skepticism about science also have the power to shape our lives. Powerful ideas can be dangerous, generating turmoil and destabilizing the status quo, supporting the status quo when change is needed, or creating unanticipated consequences.
No prerequisites. There is no required reading for the course, but attendance is required.
A student may register for any of the cross-listed sections (they are all one and the same course): ANTH 188K, DRAM 110C, PHI 051D, PSC 154B, RELI 090F, RHET 187F.
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