University of Utah launches artificial intelligence ethics course
Focusing on current impacts of artificial intelligence such as climate costs and job losses, the course was prepared through the One-U initiative.
The University of Utah has added a new artificial intelligence ethics course to its curriculum to address the social and environmental impacts of artificial intelligence technologies.
Artificial Intelligence Ethics Initiative
The University of Utah has launched a new artificial intelligence ethics course to address the everyday impacts of rapidly spreading artificial intelligence. This course aims to help students guide future regulations and designs under the One-U Responsible Artificial Intelligence initiative.
Developed jointly by Associate Professor of Philosophy C. Thi Nguyen and Professor of Computer Science Jeff Phillips, the course focuses on current issues.
Current Issues and Environmental Impacts
The course addresses not only hypothetical dangers but also already existing problems such as climate costs, water consumption, job losses, and bias. Discrimination in automated predictions and environmental costs are among the topics examined.
Course Scope and Details
Numbered PHIL 2150 and CS 2395, the course is offered to computer science and philosophy students while also being available as an elective to other undergraduate students. It will be mandatory for students in the new artificial intelligence major starting in the Fall 2026 semester.
Interdisciplinary Education Model
Inspired by Harvard's Embedded EthiCS initiative, the course is conducted through the joint work of philosophy and computer science experts. This approach ensures that students view ethics as an integral part of coding.