Legal Studies 390A - The Ethics of AI
Fall
2024
01
3.00
Matthew Lowe
M 2:30PM 5:00PM
UMass Amherst
31672
Machmer Hall room W-21
mrlowe@umass.edu
ChatGPT, Replika, and the rapid growth and innovation in the tech industry make one thing clear: Artificial Intelligence is not just the stuff of sci-fi anymore, it's quite real. However, current events also demonstrate that this space is woefully under-regulated. As we think through what shape AI laws may take, it is important to ponder the ethical implications for- and obligations of- society. In this course, we will examine the historical foundations of ethics, pertinent concepts and terms, the role of bias, social impacts, current events, laws and regulations, as they relate to AI. This is designed to be an interactive course. Students will have the chance to work on group case studies and engage in thoughtful classroom discussions about these topics. Students will also be assessed primarily on written essays where they will be asked to think critically and reflect on the topics presented in class.
This course is open to Senior, Junior, and Sophomore Legal Studies majors only. Pre Req: LEGAL 250