PHIL250-17S2 (C) Semester Two 2017

Turing: From the Computer Revolution to the Philosophy of AI

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 17 July 2017
End Date: Sunday, 19 November 2017
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Friday, 28 July 2017
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Friday, 13 October 2017

Description

This course tells you (nearly) everything you ever wanted to know about Alan Turing, the birth of the computer, and the Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence. It is a problem-based course, equally suitable for Arts, Science, Engineering, and Law students.

Not only is philosophy one of the most interesting and challenging subjects, it teaches skills that employers want: thinking outside the box, logic, ethics, and excellent writing and communication skills. At UC you can do either a BA or a BSc in Philosophy, or combine a Philosophy major with the LLB, BCom, or another degree.

BA or BSc students who major in philosophy must normally take at least two 100-level PHIL courses, plus at least three 200-level PHIL courses (including PHIL233), plus at least 60-points from 300-level PHIL courses (including at least one course from this list: PHIL305; PHIL310; PHIL311; and PHIL317). For more information see the BA regulations and/or the BSc regulations.

Learning Outcomes

  • In this course you will:
  • Learn in detail about Turing’s contributions to philosophy and computer science
  • Acquire a detailed knowledge of selected core topics in the philosophy of computing
  • Enhance your ability to think independently, systematically, and creatively
  • Improve your verbal skills and analytic reasoning skills

Prerequisites

15 points in Philosophy, Computer Science, Mathematics, Linguistics, or
Psychology; or 30 points in appropriate subjects with approval from the Head of Philosophy.

Course Coordinator / Lecturer

Diane Proudfoot

Lecturer

Jack Copeland

Contact Diane or Jack for further information.

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage  Description
Assignment 1 15% Write an online blog, maximum word length 500-700 words, due date end of 3rd week. This assignment is based on material from weeks 1-3 of the course.
Assignment 2 15% Write an online blog, maximum word length 500-700 words, due date end of 6th week. This assignment is based on material from weeks 3-6 of the course.
Essay 35% Write an essay/report, maximum word length 1500 words (excluding notes and bibliography), due date end of 10th week. This essay/report is based on material from weeks 1-9 of the course.
Final Exam 35% This is a 2-hour formal examination, in which you will answer 2 questions (weighted equally). This examination is based on material from thoughout the course.

Textbooks / Resources

Jack Copeland et al., The Turing  Guide (Oxford University Press, 2017).

Course links

Library portal
Philosophy Essay Writing Guide (available to all enrolled Philosophy students)
Course Outline
(*Image: Courtesy of J.P. Bowen.)

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $732.00

International fee $2,975.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see Humanities .

All PHIL250 Occurrences

  • PHIL250-17S2 (C) Semester Two 2017
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