F1GD 5755 - AI and the public interest: Ethics, regulation and society (New course)

***UPDATED for 2025/26***

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly transformed economies, societies, and governance systems. Yet, with its vast potential comes a need for ethical reflection, regulation, and public accountability. This course examines the intersection of AI technologies and social values, exploring how AI reshapes democracy, work, privacy, and trust. Students will engage critically with policy debates, global governance frameworks, and philosophical foundations of ethics in the digital age.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the technical principles and societal implications of AI systems.
• Analyze ethical dilemmas and governance challenges in AI development and deployment.
• Compare regulatory and policy approaches across global regions.
• Evaluate how AI reshapes political work, public administration, and democratic institutions.

Professional Skills

• Critical Thinking: Evaluating ethical dimensions and trade-offs in AI policy.
• Comparative Analysis: Assessing international frameworks and regulations.
• Ethical Reasoning: Applying normative frameworks to real-world AI issues.
• Communication: Articulating arguments through written policy briefs and oral presentations.

None

Students will receive written feedback for essays and oral comments during presentation sessions. Individual consultations are available on request. Mid-semester feedback will be offered in week 6.

• In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Online learning activities: 2hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 1.5 hours a week / 18 hours a semester
• Research and Preparation for Group Work: 1 hours a week / 12 hours a semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 1 hours a week / 12 hours a semester