Computing and Technology Ethics Through Science Fiction

Presentation Description

This talk introduces an innovative approach to teaching ethics in computing and technology by using science fiction stories to explore complex moral questions. From autonomous weapons and AI caregivers to the security risks of online banking, science fiction provides case studies that bring ethical ambiguity to life, making theoretical frameworks practical and engaging. Participants will learn how deontology, utilitarianism, virtue ethics, and other major ethical theories can be applied to modern issues in technology, with stories by authors like Ken Liu and Paolo Bacigalupi sparking reflection.

Presentation Details

Date:

Monday (11/11/24)

Time:

3:00 PM

Location:

Philosophers Cafe – New Orleans Jazz Museum

Presenter Biography

Nick Mattei

Nicholas Mattei is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Tulane University, focusing on AI theory and applications that enhance decision-making for humans and autonomous agents. His work combines theory, data, and experimentation to create innovative algorithms and systems supporting individual and group choices. Previously, Nicholas was a Research Staff Member at IBM’s TJ Watson Research Lab, working on topics like natural language inference and AI ethics. He also led AI research with Toby Walsh at Data61 and co-founded PrefLib, a resource for computational social choice. Nicholas frequently serves on committees for major AI conferences and has delivered tutorials on social choice and AI methods worldwide.