Ethics, Public Policy, and Technological Change

Examination of recent developments in computing technology and platforms through the lenses of philosophy, public policy, social science, and engineering. Course is organized around four main units: algorithmic decision-making and bias; data privacy and civil liberties; artificial intelligence and autonomous systems; and the power of private computing platforms. Each unit considers the promise, perils, rights, and responsibilities at play in technological developments. Prerequisite: CS106A. Elements used in grading: Attendance, class participation, written assignments, coding assignments, and final exam. Cross-listed with Communication (COMM 180), Computer Science (CS 182), Ethics in Society (ETHICSOC 182), Philosophy (PHIL 82), Political Science (POLISCI 182), Public Policy (PUBLPOL 182).