Unit Overview
- Description
This core unit equips students with essential tools for thinking critically about the complex moral and societal challenges posed by artificial intelligence. Students will develop foundational skills in argument evaluation, critical reasoning, and analytical writing. Topics covered will include dilemmas raised by autonomous vehicles, the use of generative AI in creative industries, and the implications of algorithmic decision-making. The unit also explores political questions relevant to AI leadership, such as the formation of online echo chambers, the role of AI in democratic discourse, and issues of justice and accountability in automated systems. Students will engage critically with real-world scenarios, gaining the ethical literacy and analytical acumen needed to lead responsibly in an AI-driven world. This unit fosters reflective, principled leadership in the face of emerging technological change.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 2 Online Online only - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) apply foundational techniques of critical thinking to evaluate arguments, identify logical fallacies, and assess the validity of reasoning in complex ethical and policy contexts; (2) analyse key ethical issues in AI applications, including the moral implications of autonomous systems and the use of AI in creative and decision-making domains; (3) critically assess the ethical and legal tensions surrounding AI's appropriation of artistic work, data ownership, and intellectual property rights; (4) evaluate the impact of AI on democratic processes and public discourse, including the role of algorithmic curation in fostering online echo chambers and political polarisation; and (5) formulate and defend reasoned ethical positions on contemporary AI challenges, integrating insights from applied ethics, political philosophy, and other related areas.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) case analyses; (2) quizzes; and (3) online exam. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Lachlan Umbers
- Unit rules
- Incompatibility
- Successful completion ofPHIL4100 Ethics and Critical Thinking
- Contact hours
- Asynchronous online
- Texts
- None
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.