TH1914
TH 1914 - Cyborgs and Hackers: The Ethics of Digital Life (3 Cr.) Freshman Seminar
Theatre Arts & Dance Dept (10992)
TCLA - College of Liberal Arts
TH 1914 - Cyborgs and Hackers: The Ethics of Digital Life (3 Cr.) Freshman Seminar
Course description
Beings with artificial intelligence have raised ethical questions ever since they were fictional characters, such as the robot in the silent film Metropolis (1927). As contemporary technology expands the use of artificial intelligence, principles of ethical responsibility are up for constant debate. We explore ethics in the age of technology by examining how humanity is imagined in the art, science, and everyday life of artificial intelligence. Theater plays and films about cyborgs invest them with feelings, and question their exploitation by humans. Meanwhile, contemporary drones and robots are programmed with data drawn from humans, and evoke different fears of machines taking over the planet. We compare cyborg and hacking cultures to see how human and artificial intelligence engage with each other, and how their battles shape our concepts of intention and responsibility.
Minimum credits
3
Maximum credits
3
Is this course repeatable?
No
Grading basis
A-F - A-F Grade Basis
Discussion
Requirements
001475
Typically offered term(s)
Every Fall