STOR 323I -- Machine Learning: Ethics and Society (Fall 2026)
Overview
This course examines the ethical, social, and technical challenges created by modern machine learning and artificial intelligence systems. Students will combine technical foundations with philosophical frameworks to analyze real-world applications, evaluate their societal consequences, and design more responsible interventions.
Fall 2026 course website
Open the STOR 323I course website
Please use the course website for current materials and course discussions; some materials may require course access. Enrolled students should use UNC Canvas for submissions and grades.
Major course themes
- Moral pitfalls of machine learning: fairness, privacy, accountability, and feedback loops.
- Social and economic implications: human behavior, strategic interaction, platforms, and recommender systems.
- Generative AI: large language models, alignment, content ecosystems, and responsible deployment.
Materials
The course combines structured debates, case studies, technical exercises, and a team project. Students practice identifying ethical problems, explaining the technical mechanisms behind them, and evaluating technical or policy interventions.
Read the course design outline · Teaching philosophy and other courses