Nearly every aspect of human life is being transformed by rapid developments in science and technology – particularly artificial intelligence. This course is the foundational course of the technology policy concentration, intended to provide frameworks for designing solutions to the public dilemmas posed by chance science and technology. How should societies cope with, and shape, the course of scientific and technological change, seizing opportunities for benefits while mitigating risks? What tools are available for governments, markets, and other societal institutions to manage these changes? How should such decisions be made, and by whom? The course uses selected case studies related to artificial intelligence, biotech, space, and nuclear technologies to illustrate approaches to addressing such challenges.
Open only to students in the MPP's Technology Concentration.