The use of artificial intelligence raises concerns, as it can bring about major societal change, both for the good and the bad. The free-of-charge Ethics of AI online course helps to understand what the ethically acceptable use of AI means, and what and what it requires of societies and individuals.
The Ethics of AI course was introduced to the public in late 2020, first in English and a little later in Finnish and Swedish. Last year, the course attracted more than 2,000 active students, while more than 60,000 individuals have browsed the course material. One of the reasons for its popularity is that the course has been designed for a variety of people from different educational backgrounds.
The person in charge of the content of the course is philosopher Anna-Mari Rusanen, a university lecturer in cognitive science and a senior specialist in the ethical and societal aspects of AI at the Ministry of Finance. Some years ago, Rusanen noticed that students started to show unprecedented interest in questions related to the use of AI.
- I had taught courses on the philosophy of artificial intelligence in cognitive science, and suddenly people started to flock to this elective philosophy course. I was constantly asked about the topic, Rusanen says.
Rusanen's courses in the philosophy of AI were among the first of their kind in both Finland and Europe. At the same time, Rusanen also started working as a senior specialist in artificial intelligence at the Ministry of Finance. Soon, she realised that the situation was similar outside the University as well.
