May 6 – August 7, 2024
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 both artificial intelligence and robotics. 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 and robotics in a number of different fields, including mathematical proof, policing, high-frequency trading, art, agriculture, law, and advertising. 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.
