Overview

Computing systems and technologies fundamentally impact the lives of most people in the world, including how we communicate, get information, socialize, and receive healthcare. This course is the third of a three course sequence that examines ethical issues in the design and implementation of computing systems and technologies, and reflects upon the broad implication of computing on our society. It covers medical applications, uses of robotics, autonomous vehicles, and the future of work. This course can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s MS in Computer Science degrees offered on the Coursera platform. These fully accredited graduate degrees offer targeted courses, short 8-week sessions, and pay-as-you-go tuition. Admission is based on performance in three preliminary courses, not academic history. CU degrees on Coursera are ideal for recent graduates or working professionals. Learn more: MS in Computer Science: https://coursera.org/degrees/ms-computer-science-boulder

Syllabus

Course Overview

In this introductory week, you will delve into the fascinating world of computing, ethics, and society. You will explore the fundamental concepts of ethics and ethical frameworks, providing a solid foundation for the entire course. You will gain insights into key ethical theories, including Kantianism, Virtue Ethics, Utilitarianism, and Social Contract Theory. Through interactive discussions and engaging resources, you will understand how these theories shape our moral decision-making processes and their significance in the context of computing technologies.

Medical Applications

This week is dedicated to the ethical considerations in the intersection of technology and healthcare. Throughout this week, you will explore the complex ethical landscape of computing applications in medical contexts, delving into the ethical dilemmas arising from gene editing technologies such as CRISPR; the ethical dimensions of medical data, investigating issues of privacy, consent, and security in healthcare information systems, and the challenges posed by neural implants, contemplating the boundaries of human augmentation and the preservation of individual autonomy in the age of technological integration with the human body.

Robotics

This week you'll focus on the ethical considerations of robotics across diverse domains. You'll begin the week by examining robotics in healthcare, uncovering the potential benefits and challenges that arise when technology meets medicine. Then,. you'll shift focus to the ethically complex terrain of robotics in warfare, scrutinizing the implications of autonomous machines in armed conflicts. Finally, you will explore the use of robotics in policing, where we'll discuss the evolving roles of machines in law enforcement and the ethical questions they raise.

Autonomous Vehicles

This week will explore he fascinating realm of autonomous vehicles, where you will unravel the intricate ethical and safety considerations surrounding self-driving cars. You will analyze the arguments both for and against the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles, dissecting the potential benefits and challenges they present to society. Finally, you will also assess the various risks inherent in the use of self-driving cars, considering issues of safety, liability, and the impact on urban landscapes.

Future of Work

In this final week, you will look explore and discuss the future of artificial intelligence. Throughout the week, you will explore the evolving landscape of employment as AI technologies continue to advance, and the potential trajectories of AI in the workplace, contemplating the roles it may play in augmenting human labor, automating tasks, and transforming industries. You will closely examine the profound implications of AI on both workers and employers, exploring how these technologies may reshape job roles, workforce dynamics, and the broader job market.