Ateneo - UPO

Elements of ethics applied to digital innovation issues

Fossa, f., Schiaffonati, V, e Tamburrini, G. (a cura di) "Automi e persone. Introduzione all'etica dell'intelligenza artificiale e dell robotica". Carocci 2021 (parti)
K. O'Neil, "Armi di distruzione matematica". Bompiani 201 (parti)

- Introduction to digital ethics and its conceptual foundations

- Analysis of the main ethical theories and their applications in the digital context

- Development of ethical argumentation skills based on a sound understanding of ethical principles and their applications in the digital world

- Promotion of self-reflection and critical awareness of the ethical impact of one's digital actions

- Critical evaluation of existing laws and regulations in the digital environment

Basic computer knowledge

Lectures, class discussions, use of audiovisual tools

Students are strongly recommended to follow the course page updates posted on DIR for supplementary and supporting lecture material as well as the detailed syllabus.

1.Project: students may submit a paper in which they discuss, supporting it with coherent arguments, a thesis related to the course topics. Those who decide to bring the essay may bring - in addition to the essay and O'Neil's volume - 4 chapters instead of 7 of the volume by Fossa, Schiaffonati and Tamburrini.
2. Oral: Discussion of the paper, if submitted, and questions about the texts in the program

1. Autonomous machine problem and
different formulations of the 'trolley problem' - Main types of solutions to moral dilemmas
2. Autonomous weapons and related ethical problems
3. Social and moral consequences of algorithmic biases
4. The new hidden persuaders: the deep nudge and its ethical implications
4. From ethics to legislation: orientations of European legislation on artificial intelligence

1. Knowledge and understanding:
- Introduction to digital ethics and its conceptual foundations.
- Study of the ethical implications of digital technological advances.
- Analysis of the main ethical theories and their applications in the digital context.
- Examination of issues of privacy, digital accessibility and fairness in the digital age.
2. Application of knowledge and understanding:
- Case study regarding ethical dilemmas in the digital context.
- Analysis and discussion of ethical scenarios arising from the use of digital technologies in specific sectors.
- Development of critical skills to evaluate and solve ethical problems in the digital environment.
3. Autonomous judgement:
- Deepening ethical skills to make informed and responsible decisions in complex digital contexts.
- Critical evaluation of existing ethical policies, laws and rules in the digital environment.
- Development of ethical argumentation skills based on a sound understanding of ethical principles and their applications in the digital world.
4. Communication skills:
- Development of effective communication skills in presenting and discussing ethical issues related to the digital world.
- Practice in accurate and persuasive writing of documents addressing ethical dilemmas in the digital context.
- Use of digital media to promote debate and awareness on digital ethics.
5. Learning skills:
- Development of a continuous learning mindset to stay abreast of emerging ethical issues in the digital context.
- Promotion of self-reflection and critical awareness of the ethical impact of one's digital actions.
- Ability to adapt and respond to ethical changes resulting from technological innovations in the digital world.