Courses

Summer school on artificial intelligence, ethics and human rights

Third Edition

In Partnership con:

The rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping societies and creating new opportunities for efficiency and innovation. However, these developments present significant ethical challenges, particularly in safeguarding fundamental human rights. Issues such as algorithmic bias, discrimination, and equity highlight the disproportionate effects AI can have on marginalized communities. The tension between public safety and personal freedom becomes particularly critical as AI technologies are integrated into vital sectors, including criminal justice, healthcare, employment, and beyond. The international community continues to face significant challenges from AI advances. In December 2024, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the Security Council, stating, "The fate of humanity cannot be left to algorithms." He emphasized the urgent need for international AI governance, warning that the rapid pace of AI development is outpacing regulatory efforts, increasing risks to global peace and security. Guterres highlighted critical concerns, including safety, equality, accountability, and the need to maintain human oversight in AI-driven decision-making.

The Summer School offers a comprehensive understanding of the key scientific characteristics of AI (starting with a definition, describing its key features, and recent developments and innovations) and emerging ethical issues and their impact on human rights in today's landscape. Participants will explore the key ethical principles and values surrounding AI, such as meaningful human control, trustworthiness, explainability, transparency, non-discrimination, privacy, surveillance, autonomy and responsibility, and sustainability. They will examine how these principles and values should guide our actions throughout the AI lifecycle, from design to development/implementation to real-world applications.

The aim is to outline how technologies can threaten human dignity or be used to protect human dignity, from a human-centered perspective. Over the course of the week, participants will delve into the philosophical and legal frameworks governing AI and human rights in the international context, exploring recent regulation in Europe (AI Act, 2024) and outlining how international human rights law applies to AI technologies. The course will then focus on critical issues such as algorithmic bias, discrimination, and inequalities in AI systems, highlighting their impact on marginalized communities and society, and highlighting the tension between public safety and personal freedom in an increasingly data-driven world. The ethical responsibilities of technology companies, governments, corporations, and individuals in mitigating the risks associated with AI and its impact on specific fields will also be explored. The course will also address artificial neurointelligence (at the convergence of neurotechnology and AI) and specific cases in healthcare, criminal justice, and labor rights, focusing on vulnerabilities. By the end of the course, participants will have developed an understanding of the complex relationship between AI, ethics, and human rights, equipping them with the interdisciplinary knowledge needed to critically evaluate the role of AI in society.

Through lectures, document analysis, case studies, interactive discussions, and expert insights, participants will explore ways to ensure AI is developed and deployed in ways that prioritize ethical considerations and respect for human rights. This dynamic learning environment will engage and empower participants to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on how to balance scientific and technological innovation with equity and justice in a human-centered approach.

Course presentation