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851-0258-00L 3 Credits DS D-GESS
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Pandora's Box: Large Language Models and their Impact on Society

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Christoph Hölscher, Dr. Leonel Aguilar Melgar, Dr. Manuel Flurin Hendry
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:31:44

Abstract

This seminar investigates how algorithmic systems like ChatGPT, capable of linguistic communication — a trait previously unique to humans — challenge traditional notions of human nature and society.

Objective

To provide students with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary understanding of large language models, encouraging thoughtful reflection and critical analysis from humanistic and scientific viewpoints.

Content

Large language models (LLMs) have achieved unprecedented proficiency with human language, raising fundamental questions about human uniqueness, cognition, and creativity. This course investigates LLMs through diverse lenses: culturally, exploring shifts in communication and creativity; ethically, considering responsibility and accountability in AI-driven content; philosophically, reflecting on consciousness and personhood; spiritually, examining human-machine interactions and existential considerations; psychologically, addressing how humans perceive and interact with intelligent systems; and economically, analyzing transformative impacts on labor markets and innovation. Students will hear from guest lecturers specializing in AI ethics, linguistics, philosophy of mind, media studies, and economics. Readings will include both technical and theoretical texts, and films will provide additional cultural context. Hands-on experiments will allow students to explore LLMs directly, testing their capabilities and limits. This seminar is not a technical training course in AI but rather an inquiry into what happens when machines participate in the domain of human language.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DS

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Registration & Places

Max Places
35

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Pandora's Box: Large Language Models and their Impact on Society
  • Wed 10:15-12:00 (RZ F 21)
2 h weekly

Offered In

  • Wissenschaft im Kontext (Science in Perspective) (In Kursen aus dem Programm “Wissenschaft im Kontext” lernen Studierende, die MINT Fächer der ETH aus der Perspektive der Geistes-, Sozial- und Staatswissenschaften zu reflektieren. Nur die in diesem Abschnitt aufgelisteten Fächer können als "Wissenschaft im Kontext" angerechnet werden.)