Philosophy of AI:
The impacts of AI on scientific knowledge, enviromental sustainability, and human rights
(University of Perugia)
Course Short Overview: In this course, we will explore together different philosophical perspectives on AI's influence on science, the environment, and human rights. We will start by exploring AI's unique nature, its technical foundations, why it’s often considered epistemically opaque, and whether, despite all, it could be used as a tool for the flourishing of intellectual virtues. Afterwards, we will inquiry into AI’s role in the scientific method, in particular, we will discuss concerns that AI may accelerate advancements without fostering scientific understanding. Additionally, we’ll investigate not only how AI can be used to support environmental sustainability, but also the environmental sustainability of AI. Finally, we will address ethical issues, including AI’s potential biases and its compatibility with human rights. This course will equip students with conceptual tools to thoughtfully, rigorously and open-mindedly evaluate AI’s growing presence in society.
Course Long Description: In this course, we will explore together philosophical perspectives on the profound and pervasive impact of AI across science, the environment, and human rights. Firstly, we will examine what makes AI distinct and why it has become a global point of discussion. How does AI present new challenges compared to historical innovations, such as the invention of writing or the development of computers? And why is it crucial for us to understand these differences? We’ll begin by investigating the nature of AI itself, focusing on its core components—such as machine learning—and different learning methodologies. Understanding these foundations will allow us to address why AI is often described as "epistemically opaque" due to its black-box processes. We’ll ask whether this opacity justifies concern and assess how it might affect our capacity for knowledge and understanding. Beyond the technical aspects, we will consider whether AI can contribute to moral and intellectual virtues like wisdom, humility, and deeper understanding. Can AI foster growth in these areas, or must humans remain at the center of meaningful intellectual and ethical pursuits? To answer this, we’ll delve into how AI is being applied within the sciences—where it now supports every step of the discovery process, from data collection to hypothesis formation and testing. One key question we’ll address is whether AI might accelerate discoveries without fostering genuine understanding, potentially leading to a form of science that lacks depth. We will also touch on the sociological impact of AI, questioning whether its pervasive use might result in a scientific “monoculture,” a state of uniformity that could stifle diverse perspectives. Moving to environmental issues, we’ll examine the dual role of AI in both harming and helping to sustain the environment. Can AI contribute to ecological preservation, or does its resource-intensive nature outweigh these benefits? Lastly, we will explore AI’s implications for human rights. Does AI have the potential for bias that could threaten human rights, or could it foster a future where healthcare and other essentials are managed in ways that feel detached from human values? By the end of the course, students will be equipped to critically assess the complex and evolving role of AI in shaping our world.
Teaching Philosophy and Learning Goals: I fully embrace virtue character education (You can have an idea of what it is by reading this: What is educating for intellectual virtues? – Intellectual Virtues; and some materials on my website). Therefore, my hope is that this course will help you become a good learner and thinker. In particular, we will cultivate together the following intellectual virtues:
Virtue of Reflection: After reading the assigned literature, you will contribute to your personal intellectual journal, reflecting on what you’ve learned. We will also hold group discussions to share and deepen these reflections.
Virtue of Intellectual Carefulness and Accuracy: We will frequently discuss the papers you read, enhancing our ability to articulate viewpoints accurately and carefully.
Virtue of Open-Mindedness: By engaging with diverse fields, students will practice open-mindedness, integrating philosophical insights on science, environmental ethics, and human rights.
Virtue of Critical Thinking: We will learn to build arguments and counterarguments, analyze, and critically assess the implications of AI for science, the environment, and human rights.
Virtue of Interdisciplinary Thinking: We will explore philosophical insights across various fields, including science, environmental ethics, and societal issues.
Virtue of Wisdom: Students will apply philosophical principles to real-world issues, consider AI’s broader societal and environmental impacts, and develop sound judgment in policy and practice.
Virtue of Responsibility: In class, we will foster a commitment to responsibility and a proactive attitude toward the topics we discuss.
Virtue of Humility: By interacting with peers and considering counterarguments to our own views, we will learn how our perspectives can be enriched and challenged by others.
Virtue of Intellectual Autonomy: Students will be encouraged to think independently, forming and defending their own positions on complex issues at the intersection of technology, ethics, and rights.
Virtue of Clarity: Through written and oral assignments, students will cultivate the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
Virtue of Intellectual Courage: Students will be encouraged to voice and defend their perspectives on controversial topics, gaining confidence in ethical and philosophical debates.
Virtue of Resilience: By tackling challenging and technical material on AI, we will learn to persist through difficulties, embracing effort as a rewarding part of the intellectual journey.
Methods of Teaching and Learning: All lectures will combine direct instruction, whole-class and group discussions, and activities that promote peer education and cooperative learning. Some sessions will also be led by students. At the beginning of the each class, I will ask each of you to share a “nugget”—an inspirational thought or insight from something that resonated with you in your reading of the assigned papers.
I encourage you to maintain a personal intellectual journal throughout the course, updating it whenever you study for this course or attend class. Here, you’ll set clear goals for the course and for each lesson, recording your achievements, reflections, and any challenges you encounter. At any point, I may ask to review your journal. So, please, always bring it to class, or keep a soft copy of it, which you can easily share with me. While it won’t be graded, it will help guide our discussions, tailor the course to you by revealing what you find inspiring, thought-provoking, or too challenging.
Final exam: For the final exam, you will have to select two questions from a list provided on the exam sheet, and write two short, argumentative essays (1000 words each). These essays should demonstrate not only your knowledge of the topics but also, and most importantly, your perspective on specific issues. To support your work, you’ll receive a clear grading rubric when the course stars, and we’ll have sessions focused on essay writing, which will include self-assessment exercises and peer review editing groups.
Course policies: Plagiarism and cheating constitute a violation of academic integrity and will not be accepted.
Message from your teacher: Some limited part of the material in this course may be technical and challenging. This is a reminder that cultivating intellectual virtues requires dedication, hard work, perseverance, and resilience. Also, remember our “three-L rule”: take care of the least, the last, and the lost in your class. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me or to your peers for support!