In this module, we look at fundamental ethical issues in AI: fairness, bias, and accuracy of algorithms based upon AI. Our lessons focus on three main topics: identity-related bias in large language models; bias in large language models related to images, both image generation and facial recognition; and misinformation and privacy issues in large language models. Through discussions and your independent assessment of current articles, you will gain an understanding of core ethical issues related to generative AI and large language models.

In this module and the next, we switch from broad, general discussion of ethical issues associated with AI, to discussions focused on specific, important sectors. The first of those, which we cover in this module, is one of most important sectors for all people, healthcare. Our coverage includes a brief overview of the myriad uses of AI in healthcare, discussion of a few of many general ethical issues related to uses of AI in healthcare, and a particularly intriguing specific topic, the nascent field of neural implants. The discussions, readings, and an interview assignment will provide you with perspectives on this topic.

In this module, we explore a very broad area of AI which has great importance and leads to many compelling ethical issues, robotics. The applications of robotics are diverse, and we explore issues associated with three different uses: in healthcare, in policing and the justice system, and in warfare. As is the case throughout the course, our readings reflect very recent developments and applications. The material covered in these lessons is enhanced by a report you will create in an article that pertains to either this topic or to the use of AI in healthcare.

In this final module of the course, we explore our broadest topic and a very interesting one: the societal impacts of AI. There are many topics in this category, and we explore four of them: the prospects and risks of artificial general intelligence; how AI should be regulated; the energy implications of AI, both negative and positive; and the implications of AI for the future of human work and employment. We sample reading about these topics, each of which could be a course by itself, and reinforce what we have learned by formulating our opinions on one of these topics and then having a conversation on the topic with an AI chatbot. We conclude with a brief course wrap-up which includes discussion of how AI professionals should deal with ethical considerations, in the workplace and generally.