AI - The History, Foundations and Present 2600-MSdz2AIen
This module offers a comprehensive exploration of the historical development and theoretical foundations of artificial intelligence (AI). You will gain a nuanced understanding of the key concepts, methodologies, and pivotal milestones that have shaped the field of AI.
From its origins to the present day, AI has captivated researchers, engineers, and philosophers alike. We will trace the evolution of AI from its roots in logic and mathematics to its modern manifestations in machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks. Through a combination of lectures, readings, and discussions, we will delve into the contributions of pioneering figures such as McCulloch & Pitts, John von Neumann, Alan Turing, John McCarthy, Marvin Minsky, Herb Simon, Melanie Mitchell and examining the intellectual currents that have influenced AI’s progression.
Designed to be accessible to students from diverse academic backgrounds—including Marketing, Finance, Strategy, and HR—this module welcomes both novices exploring AI for the first time and those seeking to deepen their understanding. It offers a rich and engaging journey into one of the most fascinating and consequential fields of study in the twenty-first century that will impact all areas of business.
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
• describe the historical development of artificial intelligence, including key milestones and the evolution of AI from its roots in logic and mathematics to contemporary machine learning, deep learning and neural networks
• identify and explain the key concepts, methodologies and intellectual currents that have shaped the field of AI
• analyse the contributions of pioneering figures such as John von Neumann, Alan Turing, John McCarthy, Melanie Mitchell, Anca Dragan and their impact on the development of AI
• evaluate the theoretical underpinnings of AI and their relevance to current AI technologies and applications
• engage with a variety of historical and contemporary readings to critically assess the development and impact of AI on society
• discuss the interdisciplinary nature of AI, integrating perspectives from management, biology, psychology, science and philosophy to understand its comprehensive foundations
• conduct independent research on a specific historical or foundational aspect of AI, culminating in a well-structured and analytically rigorous paper
• communicate effectively about the historical and theoretical aspects of AI, both in written and oral forms, to a range of audiences.
Assessment criteria
• Class participation online / on Zoom
• Class Discussions
• Reading
• Group assignment – Essay
• Exam
Grading based on both of the above will follow:
90-100% A/5.0
80-89% B/4.5
70-79% C/4.0
60-69% D/3.5
50-59% E/3.0
Bibliography
PDFs of these resources will be available on Kampus:
• Artificial Intelligence A Modern Approach, Russell and Norving. Introduction chapter only, pages 1-29
• Computing Machinery and Intelligence. Mind 49: 433-460. Turing, A.M
• Machine Super Intelligence. Legg. S. Section 1 only.
• The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century’s Greatest Dilemma, by Mustafa Suleyman. Chapter 7
Other (minimal) compulsory material will be provided one week before each lecture.
A bibliography, for those who wish to understand AI at an advanced level, will be provided on Kampus
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: