Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Consciousness, Robots, Automation, & Cybernetics [P4C]

This ‘Fun Philosophy Lesson’ is focused on philosophical and ethical issues that relate to Artificial Intelligence (AI), artificial consciousness, automation, robotics and cybernetics.

This interactive multi-use learning session is useful as a part of your schools PSHE/SMSC provision and is of particular interest to teachers of ICT/Computer Science and Design & Technology; it focuses on a wide range of topics such as:

• The implications of artificial intelligence for society, economy and day-to-day life
• Whether or not artificial consciousness is theoretically possible
• Self-driving cars and automated moral decision making
• The possibility of ‘Robot Rights’ and having moral duties towards artificial intelligence and robots
• The use of AI-operated drones in a military context
• The future of employment in a world of AI and automation
• We’ve aimed to cover as many bases as possible when it comes to finding engaging philosophical and ethical issues for young learners to debate and discuss!

The big question asked in this session is “Will we ever create a computer that has an experience?”. Using a variety of engaging activities students will discuss and debate a wide range of other philosophical and ethical questions such as:

• How might Artificial Intelligence (AI) start to impact our lives in the coming decades?
• Which professions do you think are the least likely to be replaced by AI systems and/or automation?
• What rules could be programmed into a self-driving car to ensure that it never does anything evil?
• What are the potential risks and dangers of trying to improve human beings by using cybernetic implants?
• To what extent is it possible to do something unethical to a robot? and
• Would you ever vote for a political party that was constituted only of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems?

This session uses our unique format for philosophy teaching resources and features an integrated menu that allows teachers to select from a variety of starter, main, plenary, assessment and end-of-lesson reflection activities. With a massive selection of activities designed to trigger philosophical discussions, debates and reflections: you can re-use the resource numerous times with the same group. For teachers wishing to run ‘P4C’ (Philosophy for Children) sessions these resources are ideal!

The file is a PowerPoint Show: no planning or preparation is required, just run the file and the intuitive menu system will make delivering a powerful philosophy session very easy!

This resource is suitable for students aged 8-16; due to the flexible nature of the sessions design it can be used for multiple hour-long sessions or as a short stimulating tutor-group activity.