As Artificial Intelligence (AI) is integrated into almost every aspect of human existence, it raises profound questions on the impacts of AI on human flourishing, in particular, the question of whether and how individuals can live a good life in a world of AI. The question of the ‘good life’, however, is dependent on a substantive account of cultural background, as different religious and cultural traditions offer their vision of the good life. To address the question, it is important to examine (1) how AI is related to specific visions of the good life, whether AI aligns with them or make them more difficult to achieve; and (2) whether and how different visions of the good life inform our engagement (including design and use) with AI technologies. This course explores the philosophical theories of the good life and related concepts, e.g., well-being and meaningful life, substantive religious and cultural visions of the good life, and specific areas of application in relation to AI and good life, such as sustainability and digital well-being.

Students will study philosophical theories of the good life alongside related concepts like digital well-being and meaningful life. The course also investigates how different cultural and religious traditions, e.g., Christianity, Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, indigenous beliefs, and transhumanism, conceptualize the good life and how these perspectives can inform our engagement with AI technologies. Through critical reflection and application of theoretical concepts in practice, students will learn about the challenges posed by AI to human flourishing. They will also engage in hands-on work to create AI-based products in relation to a specific vision of the good life.