AI, Ethics and Society: Opportunities and Challenges — SoSe 26

TimeRegistrationPlace of in-person sessions
April 2026 - July 2026
Course Plan
Deadline: 20 April 2026
Registration Instructions
Bavarian AI Chair for Mathematical Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Akademiestr. 7, 5th floor, seminar room, 80799 München

Seminar course for relAI MSc and PhD students lead by Prof. Dr. Ruth Müller

Course Outline

Abstract

In this course, we will develop skills to identify, consider and address social, ethical and political opportunities and challenges that emerge with the development and use of AI in contemporary societies. Students will be introduced to key concepts for thinking about technologies in society and their social, ethical and political dimensions and learn how to apply these skills to practices of developing and implementing AI in various domains of society. We will pay particular attention to questions of equity, justice and diversity and how the shape ethical, social and political questions surrounding AI.

The course will use a multi-media approach to learning and will draw on academic literature, documentary films and podcasts to convey key insights. In-class group work and plenary discussions will be a key feature of the course.

Students will contribute to collective learning by creating session summaries in groups, which they will share via an online learning plattform. The lecturer and other students will comment on the content of the summaries and the group in charge of the summary will refine their summary accordingly. This way, there is a collective discussion about key lessons learnt from the course and a documentation of key concepts, tools and insights from each session.

Course Plan

1 - Mo April 27, 16:00-18:00 via Zoom

  • Introductory session: we will discuss the course content, learning modalities and student contributions.

2 - Mo May 11 14:00-18:00 in person

  • Do Technologies have Politics?

3 - Mo June 1, 14:00-18:00 in person

  • Making Social Futures with Technologies

4 - Mo June 22 16:00-20:00 in person

  • Justice, Ethics and AI

5 - Mo July 13 14:00-18:00 in person

  • Bringing Society In: Public Participation and the Co-Creation of Novel Technologies

How to join

Register by 20 April 2026 in this form.

A detailed course handout, including a reading list, overview of media being used, description of student task and assessment (pass/fail) will be provided before the online introduction meeting on April 27 2026.