BERGAMO
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
Upon completion of the lectures, and following the study of the assigned text and the e-learning materials provided, students are expected to achieve the following learning outcomes:
- Knowledge of key concepts related to the functioning of artificial intelligence (AI), its legal regulation, and the ethical challenges it poses;
- Understanding of the general principles of European and national legislation on AI, as well as the ethical implications of its use;
- Ability to engage critically and with awareness in current debates on the subject;
- Proficiency in the use of discipline-specific terminology.
Course Prerequisites
No prerequisites.
Teaching Methods
The course is designed to guide students in developing critical thinking skills, independent judgment, and a reflective attitude toward the topics addressed.
Lectures will be primarily delivered in a traditional (lecture-based) format; however, active student participation will be strongly encouraged. This includes the sharing of experiences and perspectives, particularly in light of the pressing relevance of the issues discussed and their growing impact on individual lives and societal functioning.
The course topics will be presented in a manner that supports the alignment of baseline competencies among students with diverse academic backgrounds and interests. The aim is to provide useful tools for navigating, with awareness and discernment, a rapidly and continuously evolving field. Therefore, rather than offering a detailed technical overview of legislative frameworks or philosophical theories on AI, the course will propose a path of clarification and critical re-elaboration of selected key concepts drawn from legal regulation and the ethical debate on artificial intelligence.
The assigned textbooks provide a current foundational overview of the subject from technological, legal, and ethical perspectives. Supplementary materials presented during lectures will offer further targeted insights and critical reflections on specific issues. All materials will be made available via the University’s e-learning platform: https://elearning15.unibg.it/course/view.php?id=6595.
Regular attendance is highly recommended.
Assessment Methods
The examination is conducted orally and follows the order of registration on the official exam list.
The oral examination will cover at least three topics drawn from the content of the textbook listed on Leganto ("Intelligenze") and the e-learning materials available at: https://elearning15.unibg.it/course/view.php?id=6595.
The e-learning materials provided and the assigned textbook are to be understood as complementary and equally essential components of the course syllabus. Accordingly, all are of equal importance in preparation for the final examination: To pass the exam, it is necessary to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of both assigned text and the e-learning materials.
Non-attending students may choose to replace the e-learning materials with the second text listed on Leganto ("La regolazione europea dell'intelligenza artificiale nella società digitale").
The examination is graded on a scale of thirty. A passing grade ranges from 30/30 with honors to 18/30, based on the following evaluation criteria:
- Breadth and robustness of the knowledge acquired;
- Adequate understanding of the topics studied;
- Ability to present arguments in a structured and reasoned manner, beyond rote or mechanical repetition;
- Clarity of expression and command of the specific terminology of the discipline.
Contents
This course addresses the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) from a normative perspective, with a specific focus on its conceptual, legal, and ethical dimensions.
Topics covered include:
- Data and data ethics;
- Artificial intelligence: essential conceptual definitions and critical reflections;
- Ethics as a compass for navigating the AI landscape: values, principles, and ethical guidelines;
- The European model of ethical AI:
- Foundations of trustworthy AI: respect for human autonomy, prevention of harm, fairness, and explainability;
- Requirements for trustworthy AI: human agency and oversight; technical robustness and safety; privacy and data governance; transparency; diversity, non-discrimination, and fairness; societal and environmental well-being; accountability;
- Legal regulation of AI: principles and objectives of the European AI Act and relevant Italian legislation; the risk-based approach and prohibited practices;
- Challenges in the functioning and use of AI: opacity, bias, discrimination, manipulation, hallucinations, and deepfakes;
- The notion of Human-Centered AI, the Human-in-the-Loop principle, and the need to safeguard human autonomy, dignity, responsibility, competence, creativity, and vulnerability in interactions with AI systems;
- The concept of infocracy.
Online Resources
More information
Students are required to enroll in the course's e-learning platform at the beginning of the semester and to consult the teaching materials and announcements posted by the Professor.
Erasmus students, as well as those with an Individualized Education Plan or a Personalized Learning Plan, are invited to contact the Professor during class hours.