Foundations of Artificial Intelligence

Foundations of Artificial Intelligence

Level
Foundational, Broad, Theoretical
This topic presents the foundations, scope, history and methodologies of AI.
Foundations of Artificial Intelligence

Learning outcomes

Content /
Knowledge

Student should be able to:

  • Comprehend and compare the various definitions of AI.
  • Understand/describe the history of AI and the eras into which it can be periodized.
  • Properly position AI within computer science and analyse its links with other fields of science or philosophy (neuroscience, philosophy of mind, electrical/electronic engineering, mathematics, cognitive science).
  • Understand and historically order the most important propositions in the philosophy of AI (e.g., Turing test, physical symbol system hypothesis, etc.).
  • Comprehend the specific relationship of AI with logic, applied math, game theory and other areas of mathematics.
  • Compare and discriminate between different AI methodological paradigms (symbolic, computational, etc.).
  • Understand/describe the concept of the intelligent agent.
Methodological
skills
Students should be able to:
  • Apply their critical and analytical faculties, in order to argue about the comparative advantages / disadvantages of different methodological paradigms from the rich history of AI.
  • Clearly argue about similarities and differences between natural/human intelligence and artificial intelligence, given the current level of technological progress and potential near-future advances.
Transferrable/
Application
Students should be able to:
  • Work effectively with others in an interdisciplinary and/or international team.
  • Clearly and succinctly communicate their ideas to technical and non-technical audiences.