May 11 – August 11, 2026
Though the term ‘artificial intelligence’ was first coined in 1956, human beings have dreamt of creating intelligent machines for centuries. In this course, we will uncover the rich history of attempts to create artificial intelligence. We will begin with the automata of ancient Greece and work our way through the Islamic golden age toward the modern era of artificial intelligence research. This historical picture will be complemented by an examination of current advances in AI in several fields, including mathematical proof, policing, high-frequency trading, art, and warfare. Along the way, we will also pay close attention to the philosophical, social, and ethical implications posed by these technological developments and their applications to nearly every aspect of modern life.
