Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence: Foundations 7.5 credits

About the course

This course is an introduction to central philosophical issues about the foundations of artificial intelligence. It focuses on questions like: What is intelligence? How will the intelligence of artificial systems be different from ours? Will they be capable of thinking? Can artificial systems be conscious? What is the difference between symbolic reasoning machines and connectionist networks? How does deep learning work? Should we try to mimic the human mind when developing intelligent machines? When (if ever) will superintelligent machines occur? And what are the philosophical implications of simulating our own minds in machines? The main focus will be on foundational texts from philosophy and the study of artificial intelligence.

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Autumn 2027
- Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence: Foundations
  
  International admissions round
  
  HT27 / Umeå / English / On campus
  
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  Starts
  2 November 2027
  
  Ends
  16 January 2028
  
  Number of credits
  7.5 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On campus
  
  Study pace
  50%
  
  Teaching hours
  Daytime
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-F130C
  
  Eligibility
  
  90 ECTS credits in philosophy, cognitive science, computer science, informatics, psychology, linguistics, mathematics, biology, or equivalent, or a Degree encompassing at least 180 ECTS credits, or equivalent (previous higher education studies in at least one of the subjects listed is highly recommended). Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
  
  Selection
  
  Academic credits awarded by application deadline (HPAV 30-285 ECTS)
  
  Application
  Online applications are now open. Application deadline is 15 January 2027.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 12,075
  
  Total fee: SEK 12,075
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

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