ECE59500/ENE59500 - AI, Ethics, and Society
This course will introduce students to ethical issues associated with the development, deployment, and use of AI, inclusive of a wide range of technologies ranging from ML to LLMs.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor(s): Brent Jesiek
Email: bjesiek@purdue.edu
Learning Objective:
A student who successfully fulfills the course requirements will have demonstrated:
- an awareness and understanding of key ethical issues and debates most salient for AI
- a knowledge of and the ability to apply foundational ethical frameworks and principles, including general professional codes of conduct and AI-specific ethical standards
- an ability to critically analyze AI systems and tools, including identification of potential ethical, social, political, legal, sustainability and other concerns
- written communication capabilities at the level of "emerging" or higher (as defined by the Purdue Core Curriculum guidelines)
Description:
This course will introduce students to ethical issues associated with the development, deployment, and use of AI, inclusive of a wide range of technologies ranging from ML to LLMs. The course will include an introduction to common models and processes used in current AI systems, while also attending to deeper philosophical questions about the kinds of {knowing", "thinking", and "being" that may be possible with AI. The course will introduce ethical principles commonly discussed in the field of AI ethics, and we will practice applying such principles to specific case studies and debates. the course will also explore the relevance and utility of more general ethical frameworks and principles, including relevant professional codes (e.g., from IEEE, ACM). Hands-on and case study activities involving actual AI tools and dilemmas will be central to the course, including through in-class exercises and assignments. After completing the course, students should have a deeper understanding of their own moral and ethical commitments, both in general and in relation to AI, coupled with an enhanced ability to identify and potentially address ethical issues and concerns related to the design and use of AI tools and systems. Aligned with these aims, the course will require extensive reading, writing, reflection and discussion.
Web Address:
https://purdue.brightspace.com
Homework:
Homework assignments: 20%, 4 at 5% each.
Participation and engagement in class sessions or weekly small group meetings: 15%
Projects:
Group project on AI/LLM trustworthiness testing: 10%
Exams:
Exams: 40%, 2 at 20% each