In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a cutting-edge technology adopted by various industries in both the public and private sectors. AI systems are increasingly used in finance, healthcare, human resources, manufacturing, automation, transportation, smart cities, security, customer service and critical infrastructure, among others.
It is predicted that digital assistants powered by generative AI will likely become the de facto standard in customer service.
In addition to the many benefits of AI, its adoption can pose ethical issues. Some of these concerns include bias and discrimination, privacy, liability, job displacement, safety and reliability, and socio-economic impact.
AI involves large data sets created by humans, which can include human biases, leading AI systems to discriminate against certain groups of people.
The collection of large amounts of personal data raises concerns about how this data is used and protected.
It is sometimes difficult to understand how an AI system arrived at a decision, making it difficult to hold someone accountable if the decision is wrong.
AI systems are driving high automation, which will likely lead to job losses in some sectors.
Critical sectors such as healthcare, finance and transportation require rigorous verification and cyber breaches of AI systems used in these sectors can have very serious consequences.
Likewise, AI has the potential to disrupt labor markets, raising concerns about job losses and economic inequality.
The ethical concerns mentioned above require careful consideration and proactive steps to balance the potential benefits of AI with the need to mitigate its potential risks.
These considerations should be integrated into the very center of education that involves the teaching and learning of AI and related technologies. This requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving collaboration between governments, academia, industry and the public.
The University of Notre Dame has recently introduced programs that include AI, such as the Bachelor of Computer Science with specialization in AI and Bachelor of Arts with specialization in AI.
Although ethics is already embedded at the core of Notre Dame’s curriculum, additional care has been taken to address ethical concerns associated with AI systems in course learning outcomes throughout the program that include majors and specializations in AI.
Some of these learning outcomes ensure that Notre Dame graduates are equipped with:
- Knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts and techniques of artificial intelligence, while considering the ethical implications and professional responsibilities in the development and deployment of AI systems;
- Machine learning concepts, including ethical considerations and professional best practices in model development;
- Knowledge of machine learning models for a given problem, considering ethical data selection and model evaluation, and drawing on relevant research findings;
- Advanced understanding of deep learning algorithms, considering the ethical implications and responsible use of AI in research and applications;
- Understanding of deep learning techniques when addressing real-world problems, demonstrating ethical considerations and professional practices in data processing and model deployment;
- Effective communication and presentation skills through explanation of deep learning models and experimental results, with emphasis on ethical considerations in AI communication and responsible use of AI technologies. AI;
- Key ethical and legal considerations regarding the collection, processing and use of Big Data, while adhering to regulations and ethical guidelines.
The University of Notre Dame’s programs aim not only to prepare future software engineers, cybersecurity specialists, data analysts, and machine learning engineers, but also to instill in them a deep understanding of the ethical obligations associated with development and implementation of AI systems that ensure human well-being. being and societal values.
These goals resonate with the university’s philosophy, emphasizing small class sizes, direct engagement with academics, and pastoral care of its students in accordance with its mission and values.
