Knowledge and understanding: By the end of the module, the student will have acquired a basic understanding of the main topics and issues in the philosophy of risk. The module also aims to cover some advanced topics in the philosophy of technology.
Applying knowledge and understanding: The student will be able to apply various concepts of existential risk found in recent literature to the analysis of both theoretical and practical decision-making contexts. By the end of the module, the student will be familiar with the main tools used to represent risk and uncertainty, with particular reference to natural hazards, climate change, and artificial intelligence, as well as the limitations of such representations.
Making judgements: The module will encourage the student to address theoretical and practical issues in their own field of research, including through the use of formal models.
Communication skills: The module aims to develop the student's ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form through class discussions, article presentations, and the writing of a final essay (optional).
Learning skills: The module aims to improve the student’s ability to organise knowledge in an original way, integrating material presented in class with both individual and group research.
Philosophy of technology fundamentals (see: MOD_1)
The course consists of approximately six in-person lectures, each lasting 3 hours, alternating with class discussions and student presentations.
The final grade will be determined by 25% class participation and 75% oral exam for attending students, or 100% oral exam for non-attending students. To qualify as an attending student, you must attend at least 83% of the lectures. The grade for this module will contribute 50% towards the final grade of the course.
ONLY FOR ATTENDING STUDENTS: The oral exam may be replaced by a short essay (3000/3500 words) on a topic related to the course. The topic must be agreed upon in advance with the instructor.
Emerging technologies can generate individual and social risks that are often difficult to predict and impossible to quantify.
This module will explore various risks associated with new technologies, with particular emphasis on existential risks — defined as 'risks that threaten the destruction of humanity’s long-term potential' or human extinction.
We will focus in particular on the risk-based approach introduced by the EU’s AI Act. Key topics covered in the module will include: the definition and components of risk (hazard, vulnerability, exposure, response); the distinction between risk and uncertainty; de minimis risk; the Precautionary Principle; catastrophic risks; risk assessment for AI systems; risk imposition; safety; and existential risk.
