michael randall barnes

Teaching

Current Teaching

University of Oslo

FIL2313 - Artificial Intelligence and Ethics (Spring 2026): An exploration of moral and social questions surrounding AI development and use.


Previous Teaching

Australian National University

PHIL 3073 - Machine Intelligence and Normative Theory (Semester 1 2023 - co-taught with Nick Schuster and Sean Donahue): Moral, social, and political questions surrounding AI, exploring technical aspects in light of normative theory.

PHIL 2290 - Philosophy, Artificial Intelligence and Society (Semester 1 2024 - co-taught with Nick Schuster and Sean Donahue): Philosophical questions raised by AI and our increasing dependence on intelligent systems.

Western University

PHIL 2037F/G - Philosophy & Artificial Intelligence (Fall/Winter 2022): Considering the impact of artificial intelligence on our current lives and future. [Note: this class used a 'specifications grading' system. See the syllabus for more details.]

PHIL 9232B/9234B - AI Ethics: A Comprehensive Introduction (Winter 2022): Graduate seminar exploring ethical and societal implications of AI through diverse resources and discussion.

CS 9147B / ECE 9660B / SS940B - Artificial Intelligence & Society: Ethical & Legal Challenges (Winter 2022): Interdisciplinary introduction to ethical and legal frameworks relevant to AI and data science.

Hamilton College Summer Program in Philosophy

Disagreement in the Digital Age: Philosophical Reflection About/With New Technology (Summer 2022): Examining conditions for productive discussion online and the compatibility of new platforms with communicative values. [See here for more information about the Hamilton College Summer Program in Philosophy.]

University of Toronto

PHL413H1S - Seminar in Applied Ethics: Ethics of Emerging Technologies (Spring 2020): A discussion-driven seminar on moral and epistemic dimensions of social media, AI, and data collection.

Toronto Metropolitan University

PHL 522 - Philosophy and Death (Spring 2020): Philosophical reflections on the nature of death, mortality, and our knowledge of them.

Georgetown University

PHIL 173 - Philosophy of Education (Spring 2017): Exploring philosophical questions about the aims, nature, and problems of education.

PHIL 146 - Ethics of Speech (Fall 2016): Examining arguments for free speech alongside how speech can oppress, subordinate, and cause harm.

PHIL 115 - Oppression & Justice (Spring 2016): An examination of oppression, exploitation, and injustice in moral philosophy.

PHIL 105 - Bioethics (Fall 2015): Introduction to contemporary bioethics, focusing on pressing moral issues in medical practice and health policy.

PHIL 020 - Intro to Philosophy (Summer 2018): Introduction to philosophical topics through concrete problems and lived experience.

PHIL 010 - Intro to Ethics (Summer 2019, 2017): Exploring ethical questions through philosophical reflection on practical problems.