Students on the new BA (Hons) Liberal Arts degree at the University of Chichester will be encouraged to investigate pressing global questions, including the long-term implications of artificial intelligence (AI). This comes as AI leaders suggest society should accept short-term negative impacts for future benefits.
Dr Tommy Lynch, Reader in Political Theology and academic lead for the course, highlighted the importance of questioning who 'we' refers to when discussing AI's consequences. He stated, “The negative consequences of those ‘bad things’ won’t be shared equally across society, and nor will the benefits of AI.” Dr Lynch also cautioned that warnings about AI dangers from AI companies could be a form of marketing, making it difficult to distinguish genuine assessment from hype.
The Liberal Arts degree also delves into subjects such as truth and disinformation in the social media age, climate change, and religion. Students will explore how technologies influence society, shape public debates, and how individuals can critically respond to complex global challenges.
“If you’re interested in whether it is really going to change the world, it can be difficult to know what to think,” Dr Lynch commented. “By understanding the background to these debates, students will be better able to evaluate competing claims, learn from previous technology booms, and think critically about the role AI should play in society.”
The course integrates perspectives from the humanities and social sciences, aiming to equip students with the confidence to engage with issues spanning politics, technology, culture, and ethics. Dr Lynch emphasised that focusing solely on the current job market risks leaving students unprepared for a rapidly changing future.
