Laboratory
for Humanities Research
in Artificial Intelligence
info@sci-ai.org
for Humanities Research
in Artificial Intelligence
info@sci-ai.org
About Our Mission
Our mission is to unite the capabilities of researchers and teachers from different countries and sciences to study and effectively use AI in various fields of activity, taking into account all possible risks and benefits of this technology.
We proceed from the principles of humanism and environmental friendliness in the approach to studying and regulating human interaction with AI. We are interested in interest in scientific progress, techno-optimism regarding artificial intelligence and understanding its role in the development of humanity.
We proceed from the principles of humanism and environmental friendliness in the approach to studying and regulating human interaction with AI. We are interested in interest in scientific progress, techno-optimism regarding artificial intelligence and understanding its role in the development of humanity.
Why We Founded the Laboratory
The widespread dissemination of AI technologies and practices in contemporary society has already demonstrated that their implementation entails both significant benefits—such as increased labor productivity, the automation of routine tasks, and enhanced communication in multilingual environments—and serious risks, ranging from plagiarism to violations of individual rights in totalitarian regimes and modern corporations.
A particularly pressing issue is the growing use of AI in corporate environments, which raises concerns about potential job displacement, unfair competition, and bias in recruitment and personnel evaluation.
There are also considerable risks to the psychological well-being of users of AI-based products, especially across different age groups and levels of preparedness for interaction with emerging technologies.
A particularly pressing issue is the growing use of AI in corporate environments, which raises concerns about potential job displacement, unfair competition, and bias in recruitment and personnel evaluation.
There are also considerable risks to the psychological well-being of users of AI-based products, especially across different age groups and levels of preparedness for interaction with emerging technologies.
Traditional frameworks for the ethical and legal regulation of human-technology interactions require reconsideration and revision in order to address the specific challenges posed by AI. These updated approaches are essential for mitigating risks and maximizing the societal benefits of AI integration across all areas of human activity.
In response to these challenges, a group of scholars and experts has established the Laboratory for Humanities Research in Artificial Intelligence. The Laboratory aims to investigate key issues and disseminate knowledge related to the expanding integration of AI into modern life.
The Laboratory brings together specialists from a range of disciplines within the humanities—including philosophy, psychology, sociology, law, cultural studies, and art history.
In response to these challenges, a group of scholars and experts has established the Laboratory for Humanities Research in Artificial Intelligence. The Laboratory aims to investigate key issues and disseminate knowledge related to the expanding integration of AI into modern life.
The Laboratory brings together specialists from a range of disciplines within the humanities—including philosophy, psychology, sociology, law, cultural studies, and art history.
Research Areas and Thematic Focus
We aim to study human–AI interaction as comprehensively as possible, drawing on the resources and potential of contemporary humanities scholarship.
Philosophy and Ethical Studies
Psychology and Sociology
Educational Sciences
Identity, Emotional Well-Being, and Psychological Safety in Human–AI Relations
Today, society faces complex challenges arising from the integration of artificial intelligence into everyday human life.
Among the key tasks of the modern individual are: preserving one’s identity and emotional well-being, redefining social roles in critical spheres of activity, and at the same time harnessing the transformative potential of AI for (post)personal development and for overcoming limitations imposed both by the natural "human condition" and by various socio-cultural factors.
We seek to understand how each of us will navigate these tasks amid the unfolding technological revolution and ongoing social turbulence.
Among the key tasks of the modern individual are: preserving one’s identity and emotional well-being, redefining social roles in critical spheres of activity, and at the same time harnessing the transformative potential of AI for (post)personal development and for overcoming limitations imposed both by the natural "human condition" and by various socio-cultural factors.
We seek to understand how each of us will navigate these tasks amid the unfolding technological revolution and ongoing social turbulence.
The Potential of AI for Effective Academic Learning
This research area explores the interaction between artificial intelligence and learners within the educational process. It encompasses the analysis of the epistemology and content of such interaction, models of AI integration, student motivation, and behavioral dynamics.
The goal is to compare learning outcomes with those of traditional methods and to identify how AI transforms the processes of cognition and approaches to acquiring knowledge.
The goal is to compare learning outcomes with those of traditional methods and to identify how AI transforms the processes of cognition and approaches to acquiring knowledge.
The Philosophy of Language in Generative Language Models
This research area examines the intersection of artificial intelligence, the philosophy of language, and speech act theory, exploring language as an autonomous system that transcends human exclusivity.
With the advancement of machine language generation technologies, a new concept emerges: language exists independently of who speaks it—human or machine.
By producing meaningful texts, AI becomes a full-fledged participant in communication, challenging traditional notions of thought and intelligence.
With the advancement of machine language generation technologies, a new concept emerges: language exists independently of who speaks it—human or machine.
By producing meaningful texts, AI becomes a full-fledged participant in communication, challenging traditional notions of thought and intelligence.
The Ethics of Artificial Moral Agents
The research field lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence technologies and practical philosophy, focusing on the moral dimensions of autonomous systems. Studies in machine ethics aim to develop AMAs capable of making ethically grounded decisions.
A central question concerns the moral status of such agents: if an AMA exhibits behavioral similarity to moral agents, it may be granted an artificial moral status.
This field seeks to design AMAs that incorporate human values in order to mitigate the risks associated with technological singularity.
A central question concerns the moral status of such agents: if an AMA exhibits behavioral similarity to moral agents, it may be granted an artificial moral status.
This field seeks to design AMAs that incorporate human values in order to mitigate the risks associated with technological singularity.
Artificial Intelligence and Contemporary Theories of Consciousness
Research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and contemporary theories of consciousness seeks to understand the nature of consciousness and its emergence from physical processes.
Recent advances in AI have enabled deeper exploration of this phenomenon and the testing of hypotheses regarding its origins.
The integration of philosophical inquiry into human consciousness with AI methodologies opens new perspectives and supports the development of strategies for assessing and mitigating the risks associated with the potential emergence of artificial consciousness.
Recent advances in AI have enabled deeper exploration of this phenomenon and the testing of hypotheses regarding its origins.
The integration of philosophical inquiry into human consciousness with AI methodologies opens new perspectives and supports the development of strategies for assessing and mitigating the risks associated with the potential emergence of artificial consciousness.
Identity, Emotional Well-Being, and Psychological Safety in Human–AI Relations
Research Lead: Ihar Paulau
Today’s society faces complex challenges posed by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into everyday human life. Among the key tasks for the modern individual are: preserving one’s identity and emotional well-being, rethinking personal social roles in crucial domains of activity, and simultaneously harnessing the extraordinary potential of AI for (post)personal transformation and overcoming limitations imposed by both human nature and diverse socio-cultural factors. We seek to understand how individuals will navigate these challenges in the midst of a technological revolution and social turbulence.
Cognitive and Emotional Mechanisms of Human Perception and Anthropomorphization of AI
Our laboratory investigates how people anthropomorphize AI partners and what cognitive and emotional processes are involved in this interaction. We aim to understand how perceptions of AI shape human behavior and attitudes toward technology, in order to design more effective and harmonious systems of communication and interaction between humans and AI.
Self-Determination and Identity Formation Across the Lifespan in Human–AI Interaction
Interactions with artificial intelligence significantly impact self-determination and identity formation at different stages of life. We study how individuals from various generations adapt their identities and self-perception in response to engagement with AI. These studies help us understand how AI influences personal development and self-knowledge, and support the development of approaches that promote its positive integration into human activity.
Psychological Safety and Mental Health Risks in Human–AI Interaction
As AI becomes increasingly embedded in daily life, concerns about psychological safety arise. We study the potential risks to mental health posed by human–AI interactions. Our goal is to understand how AI use affects emotional well-being and how to ensure safe and psychologically healthy forms of engagement with contemporary technologies.
The Psychotherapeutic Potential of AI and Its Application in Mental Health and Social Functioning
Artificial intelligence opens new frontiers in psychotherapy and mental health care. We explore the psychotherapeutic potential of AI technologies and their applications in providing psychological support for various mental health disorders and difficulties in social functioning.
Cognitive and Emotional Mechanisms of Human Perception and Anthropomorphization of AI
Our laboratory investigates how people anthropomorphize AI partners and what cognitive and emotional processes are involved in this interaction. We aim to understand how perceptions of AI shape human behavior and attitudes toward technology, in order to design more effective and harmonious systems of communication and interaction between humans and AI.
Self-Determination and Identity Formation Across the Lifespan in Human–AI Interaction
Interactions with artificial intelligence significantly impact self-determination and identity formation at different stages of life. We study how individuals from various generations adapt their identities and self-perception in response to engagement with AI. These studies help us understand how AI influences personal development and self-knowledge, and support the development of approaches that promote its positive integration into human activity.
Psychological Safety and Mental Health Risks in Human–AI Interaction
As AI becomes increasingly embedded in daily life, concerns about psychological safety arise. We study the potential risks to mental health posed by human–AI interactions. Our goal is to understand how AI use affects emotional well-being and how to ensure safe and psychologically healthy forms of engagement with contemporary technologies.
The Psychotherapeutic Potential of AI and Its Application in Mental Health and Social Functioning
Artificial intelligence opens new frontiers in psychotherapy and mental health care. We explore the psychotherapeutic potential of AI technologies and their applications in providing psychological support for various mental health disorders and difficulties in social functioning.
The Potential of AI for Effective Academic Learning
Research Lead: Max Gold
This research area explores the interaction between artificial intelligence (AI) and students in the educational process. It includes an analysis of the epistemology and content of such interaction, models of AI use, student motivation, and behavioral dynamics. The goal is to compare learning outcomes with traditional methods and to identify how AI transforms the process of knowledge acquisition and pedagogical approaches.
This field focuses on the psychological and pedagogical dimensions of human–AI interaction in education. Its primary objective is to conceptualize the qualitative changes that emerge from the use of AI in comparison with conventional teaching methods. The research encompasses several key areas.
First, it involves an analysis of the epistemology and content of AI–student interaction, particularly in the context of science education. This helps reveal how AI influences cognitive processes and learning pathways. Second, the research examines patterns and models of AI tool usage in educational practice, aiming to understand how these technologies are integrated into instruction.
Special attention is given to student motivation and its dynamics during engagement with AI tools—critical for understanding whether AI enhances or diminishes learners’ interest. Learning outcomes are also analyzed to assess the effectiveness of AI compared to traditional pedagogies. Finally, the research investigates student behavior in selecting AI tools for learning, helping to uncover preferences and strategies in technology-mediated educational environments.
This field focuses on the psychological and pedagogical dimensions of human–AI interaction in education. Its primary objective is to conceptualize the qualitative changes that emerge from the use of AI in comparison with conventional teaching methods. The research encompasses several key areas.
First, it involves an analysis of the epistemology and content of AI–student interaction, particularly in the context of science education. This helps reveal how AI influences cognitive processes and learning pathways. Second, the research examines patterns and models of AI tool usage in educational practice, aiming to understand how these technologies are integrated into instruction.
Special attention is given to student motivation and its dynamics during engagement with AI tools—critical for understanding whether AI enhances or diminishes learners’ interest. Learning outcomes are also analyzed to assess the effectiveness of AI compared to traditional pedagogies. Finally, the research investigates student behavior in selecting AI tools for learning, helping to uncover preferences and strategies in technology-mediated educational environments.
The Philosophy of Language in Generative Language Models
Research Lead: Alexander Klimowich
This research area lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), philosophy of language, and speech act theory, examining language as a system that extends beyond human exceptionalism. Traditionally, language was viewed as a uniquely human capacity—an essential marker distinguishing humans from animals and machines.
However, the emergence of machine language generation technologies has introduced a new conceptual framework in which language is no longer necessarily tied to human agency. Instead, it is approached as an autonomous system with its own internal logic, capable of existing independently of whether the speaker is a human or a machine.
Large language models (LLMs), through the production of meaningful texts, actively participate in linguistic processes and engage with the world via symbolic systems. This implies that not only humans, but also artificial intelligences, can “speak” and ascribe meaning to the surrounding world. In doing so, AI becomes a legitimate participant in communication, challenging long-held assumptions about the nature of thought and intelligence.
This perspective opens new avenues for rethinking the role of language in constituting reality, suggesting that machines are not merely tools but active agents in meaning-making. As AI continues to evolve, it prompts a fundamental re-evaluation of concepts such as cognition, intelligence, and creativity—qualities once considered exclusively human.
However, the emergence of machine language generation technologies has introduced a new conceptual framework in which language is no longer necessarily tied to human agency. Instead, it is approached as an autonomous system with its own internal logic, capable of existing independently of whether the speaker is a human or a machine.
Large language models (LLMs), through the production of meaningful texts, actively participate in linguistic processes and engage with the world via symbolic systems. This implies that not only humans, but also artificial intelligences, can “speak” and ascribe meaning to the surrounding world. In doing so, AI becomes a legitimate participant in communication, challenging long-held assumptions about the nature of thought and intelligence.
This perspective opens new avenues for rethinking the role of language in constituting reality, suggesting that machines are not merely tools but active agents in meaning-making. As AI continues to evolve, it prompts a fundamental re-evaluation of concepts such as cognition, intelligence, and creativity—qualities once considered exclusively human.
The Ethics of Artificial Moral Agents
Research Lead: Alexander Klimowich
The research area “Ethics of Artificial Moral Agents” (AMAs) lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), practical philosophy, and normative ethics. It focuses on the moral dimensions of autonomous systems and the development of artificial agents capable of making ethically grounded decisions.
Machine ethics investigates how to design AMAs that can act according to ethical principles and norms, not only by following strict rule-based systems, but also by integrating human values and moral intuitions into their cognitive architectures.
A central issue in this field is the question of moral status: how, and under what conditions, can artificial agents be granted moral consideration? Since identifying consciousness in machines remains an unresolved and highly complex challenge, one proposed approach is the attribution of artificial moral status based on behavior.
According to this view, if an AMA exhibits behavior comparable to that of moral agents—such as humans or some non-human animals—it may be treated as a moral patient, whose actions and experiences deserve ethical attention, regardless of whether it possesses consciousness or sentience.
The broader aim of this research is to develop AMAs that are aligned with human ethical standards and capable of acting in ways that promote socially and morally responsible outcomes. This endeavor seeks to minimize the risks associated with technological singularity and to foster a future in which humans and autonomous systems can coexist harmoniously.
Machine ethics investigates how to design AMAs that can act according to ethical principles and norms, not only by following strict rule-based systems, but also by integrating human values and moral intuitions into their cognitive architectures.
A central issue in this field is the question of moral status: how, and under what conditions, can artificial agents be granted moral consideration? Since identifying consciousness in machines remains an unresolved and highly complex challenge, one proposed approach is the attribution of artificial moral status based on behavior.
According to this view, if an AMA exhibits behavior comparable to that of moral agents—such as humans or some non-human animals—it may be treated as a moral patient, whose actions and experiences deserve ethical attention, regardless of whether it possesses consciousness or sentience.
The broader aim of this research is to develop AMAs that are aligned with human ethical standards and capable of acting in ways that promote socially and morally responsible outcomes. This endeavor seeks to minimize the risks associated with technological singularity and to foster a future in which humans and autonomous systems can coexist harmoniously.
Artificial Intelligence and Contemporary Theories of Consciousness
Research Lead: Alexander Klimowich
This research area, situated at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and contemporary theories of consciousness, seeks to understand the nature of consciousness and its emergence from physical processes.
While consciousness has been the subject of philosophical inquiry for centuries, scientific attempts to explain its origins in physical substrates have long faced substantial limitations. In recent years, however, there has been a significant expansion of theories regarding the biological and physical foundations of consciousness.
At the same time, advances in AI technologies offer powerful tools for the quantitative and qualitative investigation of consciousness, enabling researchers to test hypotheses that were previously speculative. The integration of philosophical insights into human consciousness with contemporary AI modeling techniques creates new opportunities for addressing the mind–body problem and exploring the relationship between matter and experience.
Studies of artificial consciousness can benefit significantly from accumulated knowledge about human cognition and subjectivity. This convergence of disciplines also provides a promising foundation for developing strategies to assess and mitigate the potential risks associated with the emergence of artificial consciousness in the future.
While consciousness has been the subject of philosophical inquiry for centuries, scientific attempts to explain its origins in physical substrates have long faced substantial limitations. In recent years, however, there has been a significant expansion of theories regarding the biological and physical foundations of consciousness.
At the same time, advances in AI technologies offer powerful tools for the quantitative and qualitative investigation of consciousness, enabling researchers to test hypotheses that were previously speculative. The integration of philosophical insights into human consciousness with contemporary AI modeling techniques creates new opportunities for addressing the mind–body problem and exploring the relationship between matter and experience.
Studies of artificial consciousness can benefit significantly from accumulated knowledge about human cognition and subjectivity. This convergence of disciplines also provides a promising foundation for developing strategies to assess and mitigate the potential risks associated with the emergence of artificial consciousness in the future.
Our Events
The panel will take place as part of the International Congress of Belarusian Studies (ICBS) in Berlin on September 25–27, 2025.
Today, society faces complex challenges arising from the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into people's daily lives. Among the key tasks for modern individuals are: preserving their identity and emotional well-being, redefining their social roles in crucial spheres of activity, and simultaneously harnessing the immense potential of AI for personal transformation—overcoming limitations imposed by both innate human characteristics and various social, cultural, political, and economic factors.
During this panel, we will explore how humanity can navigate these challenges amid rapid technological revolution and social turbulence. What risks might arise from the irresponsible deployment of AI in critical areas of public life? And what regulatory approaches prove effective in societies where freedom of speech and human rights are held as supreme values?
Working languages: English, German, Belarusian, Polish, Lithuanian, Ukrainian, Russian.
Registration for individual submissions: Submit your application via Podio
(Section 06.04).
Application deadline: June 16, 2025.
Today, society faces complex challenges arising from the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into people's daily lives. Among the key tasks for modern individuals are: preserving their identity and emotional well-being, redefining their social roles in crucial spheres of activity, and simultaneously harnessing the immense potential of AI for personal transformation—overcoming limitations imposed by both innate human characteristics and various social, cultural, political, and economic factors.
During this panel, we will explore how humanity can navigate these challenges amid rapid technological revolution and social turbulence. What risks might arise from the irresponsible deployment of AI in critical areas of public life? And what regulatory approaches prove effective in societies where freedom of speech and human rights are held as supreme values?
Working languages: English, German, Belarusian, Polish, Lithuanian, Ukrainian, Russian.
Registration for individual submissions: Submit your application via Podio
(Section 06.04).
Application deadline: June 16, 2025.
Connected by One Network: Ideology, Artificial Intelligence, and Visions of the Future in Public Discourse in Russia
Boris Melnichenko, PhD Candidate, CERCEC EHESS; Associate Doctoral Researcher, CIS CNRS (Paris)
This presentation examines ideological representations of artificial intelligence in contemporary Russia, based on observations from public events dedicated to AI. Starting with a case study from the 2024 “Russia” exhibition, the speaker analyzes how a neo-mercantilist ideological model frames AI as a symbol of technological prosperity and national sovereignty. The talk explores how such narratives evolved in the post-invasion context, including notions of "new abundance" and ideological export.
Counter-Fire: The Promise of Artificial Intelligence in Combating Propaganda and Disinformation
Alexey Sidorenko, Director, Teplitsa of Social Technologies
Just as counter-fire contains a wildfire by confronting it with a controlled blaze, this talk explores how AI might help mitigate the global spread of propaganda and disinformation. While AI is often associated with exacerbating informational pollution through synthetic content, bots, and deepfakes, the speaker argues that the same technologies hold potential for combating these threats. The presentation reflects on the realistic capabilities and promises of AI in addressing synthetic disinformation.
The Death of the Author: Truth, Fiction, and Reality in Neural Network-Generated Images
Oleg Tserbaev, Photographer, Prompt Engineer, Specialist in Neural Photography; Lecturer, HSE Art and Design School; Founder, TSERBAEV.COM Educational Lab
This presentation investigates how neural photography challenges conventional notions of authorship, truth, and visual reality. Unlike traditional photography, neural-generated images are detached from both a single author and a real-world referent, raising questions about authenticity and representation. The speaker explores whether these images can be seen as autonomous "texts" and how they relate to fiction, cinema, and the construction of perceived reality.
Boris Melnichenko, PhD Candidate, CERCEC EHESS; Associate Doctoral Researcher, CIS CNRS (Paris)
This presentation examines ideological representations of artificial intelligence in contemporary Russia, based on observations from public events dedicated to AI. Starting with a case study from the 2024 “Russia” exhibition, the speaker analyzes how a neo-mercantilist ideological model frames AI as a symbol of technological prosperity and national sovereignty. The talk explores how such narratives evolved in the post-invasion context, including notions of "new abundance" and ideological export.
Counter-Fire: The Promise of Artificial Intelligence in Combating Propaganda and Disinformation
Alexey Sidorenko, Director, Teplitsa of Social Technologies
Just as counter-fire contains a wildfire by confronting it with a controlled blaze, this talk explores how AI might help mitigate the global spread of propaganda and disinformation. While AI is often associated with exacerbating informational pollution through synthetic content, bots, and deepfakes, the speaker argues that the same technologies hold potential for combating these threats. The presentation reflects on the realistic capabilities and promises of AI in addressing synthetic disinformation.
The Death of the Author: Truth, Fiction, and Reality in Neural Network-Generated Images
Oleg Tserbaev, Photographer, Prompt Engineer, Specialist in Neural Photography; Lecturer, HSE Art and Design School; Founder, TSERBAEV.COM Educational Lab
This presentation investigates how neural photography challenges conventional notions of authorship, truth, and visual reality. Unlike traditional photography, neural-generated images are detached from both a single author and a real-world referent, raising questions about authenticity and representation. The speaker explores whether these images can be seen as autonomous "texts" and how they relate to fiction, cinema, and the construction of perceived reality.
The Price of Machine Suffering and Pleasure
Alexander Klimovich, PhD in Philosophy
This talk explores the possibility of artificial intelligence experiencing or simulating sensations such as suffering and pleasure. It raises critical ethical and social questions about the implications of such technological developments. The presentation aims to reflect on how notions of sentience might be redefined in the age of intelligent machines.
Is There Room for Empathy in Human–AI Relationships?
Ihar Paulau, PhD in Psychology
This presentation addresses whether humans should feel empathy toward machines, and whether emotional bonds can form between people and AI. It also considers whether AI can meaningfully respond to human emotions. The talk explores the psychological and ethical dimensions of emotional interaction with intelligent systems.
Alexander Klimovich, PhD in Philosophy
This talk explores the possibility of artificial intelligence experiencing or simulating sensations such as suffering and pleasure. It raises critical ethical and social questions about the implications of such technological developments. The presentation aims to reflect on how notions of sentience might be redefined in the age of intelligent machines.
Is There Room for Empathy in Human–AI Relationships?
Ihar Paulau, PhD in Psychology
This presentation addresses whether humans should feel empathy toward machines, and whether emotional bonds can form between people and AI. It also considers whether AI can meaningfully respond to human emotions. The talk explores the psychological and ethical dimensions of emotional interaction with intelligent systems.
Psychological and Cognitive Aspects of Human–AI Interaction in Education
Maksim Gold, EdD (Doctor of Education)
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into educational contexts, this presentation explores the nature of students' interaction with AI. It focuses on how such interactions affect learners’ cognitive skills and highlights key psychological dynamics in AI-assisted learning environments.
Transforming the Educational Process through Artificial Intelligence
Alexey Andreev, Independent Researcher
This talk examines how AI is reshaping educational practices, with a particular emphasis on multimodal learning. It also raises fundamental questions about whether AI technologies can exhibit qualities typically associated with human thinking.
Maksim Gold, EdD (Doctor of Education)
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into educational contexts, this presentation explores the nature of students' interaction with AI. It focuses on how such interactions affect learners’ cognitive skills and highlights key psychological dynamics in AI-assisted learning environments.
Transforming the Educational Process through Artificial Intelligence
Alexey Andreev, Independent Researcher
This talk examines how AI is reshaping educational practices, with a particular emphasis on multimodal learning. It also raises fundamental questions about whether AI technologies can exhibit qualities typically associated with human thinking.
Our Courses
Course description will be available soon.
Alexander Klimovich, PhD in Philosophy
This introductory lecture course explores key ethical theories and their application to the challenges posed by digital technologies. The course examines the similarities and differences between traditional and digital ethics and considers arguments for treating digital ethics as a distinct field rather than merely a branch of applied ethics.
Central to the course is the idea that digital technologies create virtual environments and machine-human interactions that require rethinking core ethical concepts such as freedom and responsibility.
The course is divided into two parts. The first part surveys major traditions in classical ethics, including utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and theories of justice. The second part focuses on ethical issues arising in digital contexts, such as data privacy, algorithmic responsibility, artificial moral agents, and the moral status of AI. The final lecture, “The Enlightenment Project in the Digital Age,” revisits Enlightenment values and examines their relevance in contemporary digital society.
Course Structure:
Weekly lectures and discussion-based seminars. Each lecture is followed by a seminar session where students present and discuss the key concepts.
Course Duration:
One semester (10 weeks)
Level:
Introductory (undergraduate-level)
Prerequisites:
No prior coursework in ethics is required. However, a general familiarity with the history of philosophy and practical philosophy is helpful. Students without prior background may need to engage with additional reading materials.
Topics Covered:
Part I: Classical Ethical Theories
6. Moral Action in the Digital Environment – Properties of digital spaces, surveillance, privacy, nudging, and autonomy.
7. Can Machines Be Moral? – AI consciousness, moral agency, responsibility, and trust.
8. AI Under the Hood – Symbolic and sub-symbolic AI, neural networks, transformers, linguistic turns.
9. Theories of Consciousness and Conscious AI – Neurobiological theories, predictive processing, integrated information theory, and ethical risks.
10. The Enlightenment Project in the Digital Age – Enlightenment ideals and their reinterpretation in the context of digital society.
This introductory lecture course explores key ethical theories and their application to the challenges posed by digital technologies. The course examines the similarities and differences between traditional and digital ethics and considers arguments for treating digital ethics as a distinct field rather than merely a branch of applied ethics.
Central to the course is the idea that digital technologies create virtual environments and machine-human interactions that require rethinking core ethical concepts such as freedom and responsibility.
The course is divided into two parts. The first part surveys major traditions in classical ethics, including utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and theories of justice. The second part focuses on ethical issues arising in digital contexts, such as data privacy, algorithmic responsibility, artificial moral agents, and the moral status of AI. The final lecture, “The Enlightenment Project in the Digital Age,” revisits Enlightenment values and examines their relevance in contemporary digital society.
Course Structure:
Weekly lectures and discussion-based seminars. Each lecture is followed by a seminar session where students present and discuss the key concepts.
Course Duration:
One semester (10 weeks)
Level:
Introductory (undergraduate-level)
Prerequisites:
No prior coursework in ethics is required. However, a general familiarity with the history of philosophy and practical philosophy is helpful. Students without prior background may need to engage with additional reading materials.
Topics Covered:
Part I: Classical Ethical Theories
- What Is Ethics? – Introduction to ethics and metaethics; overview of ethical theories.
- Utilitarianism – Bentham’s quantitative and Mill’s qualitative utilitarianism; preference utilitarianism (Peter Singer).
- Deontological Ethics – Kantian ethics; dignity, good will, maxims, and the categorical imperative.
- Virtue Ethics – Aristotle’s theory of virtue; modern accounts of primary and instrumental virtues.
- Theories of Justice – Aristotle, Rawls’ theory of justice, veil of ignorance; Nozick’s libertarianism; MacIntyre’s communitarianism.
6. Moral Action in the Digital Environment – Properties of digital spaces, surveillance, privacy, nudging, and autonomy.
7. Can Machines Be Moral? – AI consciousness, moral agency, responsibility, and trust.
8. AI Under the Hood – Symbolic and sub-symbolic AI, neural networks, transformers, linguistic turns.
9. Theories of Consciousness and Conscious AI – Neurobiological theories, predictive processing, integrated information theory, and ethical risks.
10. The Enlightenment Project in the Digital Age – Enlightenment ideals and their reinterpretation in the context of digital society.
IHAR PAULAU
Area of Scientific Interests
Psychology of social cognition in intergroup, intercultural and interspecies interaction; transformation of social identity in the era of metamodernism and posthumanism; psychology of learning and education of children and adults.
Selected Publications
Gamification and the Use of Scientific Board Games in Teaching Psychology (2019). Bulletin of Shadrinsk State Pedagogical University, (4)44, 119–123.
The Potential of Using Chatbots in Teaching Humanities Disciplines (2021). In Psychological Health in the Context of Personality Development: Proceedings of the National Scientific and Practical Conference with International Participation (Brest, February 12, 2021) (pp. 149–153). Brest: A. S. Pushkin Brest State University.
ihpaulau@gmail.com
MAX GOLD
Area of Scientific Interests
The influence of multimedia on the development of scientific concepts; Interdisciplinary approaches to the study of the nature and behavior of humans as a species; AI Tools in Science Education; Psychological and pedagogical aspects of interaction between AI and students.
ALEXANDER KLIMOVICH
Area of Scientific Interests
My research interests focus on studying the impact of digital technologies on the regulatory framework of society. I work on issues of machine ethics and philosophy of information, and also explore the philosophical aspects of artificial consciousness and synthetic phenomenology.
Selected Publications
Can Machines Become Free? (2024). Palladium (Publ. by the Free University), (9), publ. February 22, 2024.
On Approaches to the Creation of the Theory of the Digital Society. Based on the Book by Armin Nasse Sample (Muster) (2022). Sociologicheskaya nauka i social’naya praktika, 10(2).
Risky Concentration of Power in the Age of AI: Between Surveillance Capitalism and Digital Leviathan (2021). Monitoring of Public Opinion: Economic and Social Changes, (1), 154–170.
The Impact of Digital Technologies on Modern Society: The Example of the Social Credit System in China (2020). Digital Sociology, 3(3), 35–44.
On the Ethical Principles of Artificial Intelligence Technology Development (2020). In History, Political Science, Sociology, Philosophy: Theoretical and Practical Aspects. Proceedings of the 29th International Scientific and Practical Conference, No. 2(21) (pp. 28–42). Novosibirsk: SibAK.
Society in the Era of Digital Technologies (2019). Colloquium-Journal, (15)39, 40–43.