Introductory description

This module explores the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in business examining how AI influences moral decision-making, corporate responsibility, inequality, discrimination, and governance in an increasingly digitalized world.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Topic 1: An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Behavioural Ethics
What is Behavioural Business Ethics?
What is Artificial Intelligence?
Why do ethics matters in A.I.?

Topic 2: Unethical Behaviour in the Physical and in the Digital World
Differences in moral behaviour between the physical and the digital world.

Topic 3: Artificial Intelligence and Immoral Behaviour
How does A.I. affects moral behaviour?

Topic 4: Ethics, Automatisation, and Technological Change
Ethical dilemmas arising through automatisation and technological change.

Topic 5: Artificial Intelligence, Productivity, and Inequality
Heterogeneous productivity affects of A.I.
How A.I. affects inequality.

Topic 6: Artificial Intelligence and Discrimination
Can A.I. cause discrimination?
Can A.I. be used to detect and reduce discrimination?

Topic 7: Using Artificial Intelligence for Whistleblowing and Preventing Crime
The promise and perils of using artificial intelligence to fight crime and immoral behaviour.

Topic 8: The Ethics of Digitalization: Emerging Corporate Responsibilities in the Digital Age
How does A.I. affect Corporate Social Responsibility?

Topic 9: Big Tech’s Power and Political Corporate Social Responsibility
Moral dilemmas arising from the interplay of cooperate and political spheres.
Which questions does A.I. pose for Political Corporate Social Responsibility?

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of which ethical questions arise from the spread of A.I.
• Demonstrate understanding of how ethical choices are not made in isolation
• Judge practical approaches to engage in morally accountable behaviour in the Digital Age
• Demonstrate understanding of how organisational environments encourage ethical behaviour
• Critically analyse the basic assumptions built into specific psychological and economic models of moral accountability

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Interdisciplinary

The module builds on insights from Behavioural Economics, Business, Computer Science, Psychology, Ethics, and Corporate Governance.

International

The module investigates organisational, systemic, cultural, and individual influence factors that influence the interplay of A.I. and ethical decisions. By investigating the role of culture, the module also has an international element.

Subject specific skills

Evaluate experimental/ empirical data
Discuss experimental techniques for answering research questions and testing of specific hypotheses regarding questions of moral accountability
Demonstrate analytical thinking and practical problem-solving skills in addressing issues of moral accountability
Demonstrate data analyses skills

Transferable skills

Communication skills