The introduction of artificial intelligence – particularly generative models and LLMs – is currently leading to an upheaval in many areas of life. At the latest since the publication of GPT4 in March 2023, a new milestone in AI development has been reached. The potential social benefits may be enormous. On the other hand, the new technologies are associated with serious risks (e.g. due to the endangerment of personal rights, opinion manipulation possibilities via systematically distorted results, or even due to the potential development of an Artificial General or Super Intelligence).
Among other things, AI techniques are increasingly being used in medical care, e.g. for improving diagnostics and treatment planning, but also for suicide prevention. Some interventions are already being used in care without sufficient evidence of their effectiveness, reliability and safety.
In literature and film, there is a reflection on the current situation; in some cases, development opportunities with great potential are shown (e.g. in the novel “Pantopia”) and, on the other hand, the risks are outlined in gloomy dystopias (e.g. “The Circle”).
Where is there hope and potential? What are the greatest and most pressing threats? How can the society be supported, how can it be protected? Based on these questions, current literature, films and academic books and articles will be covered.

Format: 
In small teams (1-3 students) novels, films or scientific texts will be worked on, presented and discussed in the seminar together with all participants. In addition to participation and the presentation, a short, written summary – which should also include the discussion – will be graded as a final achievement.

Lecturers:: 
•    Prof. Martin Butz (Lehrstuhl für Kognitive Modellierung, Fachbereich Informatik & Fachbereich Psychologie, Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät)
•    Prof. Dirk Wildgruber (Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinik)
•    Mudar Adas (Kognitionswissenschaften)
Courses of study: 
•    Bachelor und Master Cognitive Science
•    Medicin

Meetings:
Introduction, topics, assignments: 20.10.2025, 18:15
Blockseminar: 24.-26. 02. 2026