COGS 123 PZ -Minds and Machines: From C3PO to Alexa to Skynet?

Institution: Pitzer College

Description: Recently, interest in artificial intelligence (AI) has rebounded, while the computational theory of mind has developed the thesis that all minds are machines. We will explore the history, philosophy, and psychology of mental machines by studying computational/ cognitive psychology and the bi-directional influences of society and computing. We will examine traditional symbolic AI, deep learning by artificial neural networks, statistical learning techniques, and robotics. Finally, we will ponder the possibility that creating machines with common sense might require insights from developmental psychology. Ultimately, we will contemplate how research on AI illuminates human cognition, and vice versa.

Prerequisite(s): At least two courses in Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Philosophy, or Psychology, or instructor approval.

For up-to-date information on current course offerings and details, please refer to the Pitzer class schedule on MyCampus2 Portal.