- Docente: Francesca Lagioia
- Credits: 4
- SSD: IUS/20
- Language: English
- Moduli: Giuseppe Pisano (Modulo 1) Francesca Lagioia (Modulo 2)
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially) (Modulo 1); In-person learning (entirely or partially) (Modulo 2)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Artificial Intelligence (cod. 9063)
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from Feb 17, 2026 to Mar 31, 2026
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from Apr 14, 2026 to May 26, 2026
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student is familiar with the main meta-ethical issues, normative ethical models, and theoretical contributions of cognitive science related to the translatability of moral judgments in computational terms. At the end of the course, the student is able to critically reason about alternative theoretical proposals for algorithmic formulation of ethics, as well as about theories that deny the possibility of computational ethics.
Course contents
The detailed course content corresponds to the list of readings and materials discussed during the lectures, including any practical exercises or laboratory activities when applicable.
The course covers the main ethical and legal issues related to artificial intelligence, including an introduction to AI Ethics, Machine Ethics, and Computational Ethics, and an examination of their relationships with law. It also includes the discussion and analysis of case studies on algorithmic decision-making, AI and discrimination, data protection, manipulation, fairness, and transparency.
The course is designed for students with no prior background in ethics or philosophy. A background in computer science or engineering is recommended.
Readings/Bibliography
The reading materials will be made available on Virtuale.
Teaching methods
Lectures are held by Prof. Lagioia and Prof. Pisano, with the possible support of invited collaborators.
The course also includes discussion groups, in which students are expected to prepare and discuss papers or other materials related to the course topics.
Laboratory activities and practical exercises may also be included.
Assessment methods
The exam will be an oral test consisting of three questions related to the course topics. Particular emphasis will be placed on a student project. Detailed guidelines regarding the project (topic, format, and evaluation criteria) will be provided during the course.
Teaching tools
The reading materials will be made available on Virtuale. Any additional materials related to laboratory activities and practical exercises will also be provided on the same platform.
Office hours
See the website of Francesca Lagioia
See the website of Giuseppe Pisano