Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence
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- Start Date: 19 Jul 2025End Date: 19 Jul 2025Sat (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonFull fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00
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What is the course about?
We will tackle the following central questions: what is natural intelligence? What is artificial intelligence? What is the role of probability in artificial intelligence? How does natural language affect our understanding or misunderstanding of AI? The course is taught by a teacher qualified in both computer science and philosophy.
What will we cover?
The course will cover the following topics:
Natural intelligence
Insight: A study of human understanding
A brief history of AI
Recent advances in AI
Understanding Large Language Models
The role of probability in AI
How natural language undermines our discussion of AI
Human vs. AI agency
Is General Artificial Intelligence (AGI) possible?
The Turing Test and its misuse.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Engage in an informed discussion about the philosophical challenges posed by AI and differentiate facts from hype around AI.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory course and does not require any prior study. We will assume some basic familiarity with ChatGPT or similar AI but no specialist skills or knowledge are expected.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be taught in person and no work outside the class is required.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No; you may want to take notes for future reference. A list of recommended reading for further study will be provided at the end of the course.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please check www.citylit.ac.uk for up-to-date information about forthcoming philosophy courses.
Edgar ter Danielyan holds a First in Philosophy and Theology from Heythrop College, University of London, a research MA in Philosophy from the University of Buckingham (where he studied under the late Prof. Sir Roger Scruton), a Chartered Fellowship in Computing, and the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies with Distinction from the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales. He is a member of the Royal Institute of Philosophy, the British Society for the Philosophy of Religion, and the British Philosophical Association. His work in the philosophy of religion has been published in the Analysis and Heythrop journals, and he has delivered papers on topics in the philosophy of religion at the universities of Oxford and Birmingham.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
