This course gives an insight to PhD students of essential philosophical concepts constituting the humanistic basis of computer ethics.

Core themes addressed in this highly interactive course are: 

1) the concept of humanism related to machines and its embeddedness in values such as freedom and autonomy

2) human dignity and its challenges in digital environments

3) contesting computer anthropology and understanding the difference(s) between humans and AI

4) utilitarianism and its duty ethical and virtue ethical limits in moral machines

After attending this course, students will have an overview of core themes relevant to digital humanism. They will see the link between philosophy and technology. They will have read essential articles on themes like humanism, freedom, dignity, computer anthropology, utilitarianism, duty ethics and virtue ethics.

full attendance required

Students will get a full day of initial presentations on all themes. They then receive a reading list and a project task to work on during the semester. The class meets for a 2-day retreat at the end of the semester to discuss the readings and projects. Students are requested to attend all classes, need to read the texts provided and prepare on presentation on a theme given to them.

The final project presented is graded.

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