Module manager: Paula Satne
Email: p.satne@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as an Elective
Humans relate to each other in many ways: loving each other, caring for people they know and for strangers, exchanging information, having friendships, grieving for those they have lost. Several technologies have emerged in the last 30 years that have changed the way humans relate to each other. AI is transforming things again and, indeed, people can have direct relationships with AI. This module looks at the present and future of how we relate to one another with AI, and how we relate to AI itself. We look at questions such as: What does it mean to be a human being who has various relationships? What does it mean to have relationships with AI - chatbots, griefbots, therapybots - that mirror or change traditional relationships of knowledge-exchange, love, grief and care? Are AI-relationships real or radically different? How should we view romantic relationships with AI from a moral standpoint? We will reflect on what the future might look like and how society will change as AI is used more and grows in sophistication. We will consider the profound philosophical and ethical questions surrounding ‘Artificial General Intelligence’ (AGI).
The module aims to equip you with a sound working knowledge of current and likely future AI-related technologies used within human relationships and across different sectors or parts of life (e.g. health sector; friendships, grief and love). From that, the module will also enable you to think critically about: what it is to be a human being that forms (or fails to form) various relationships; how AI might or might not change these relationships; how we see the very of idea ‘having a relationship’; how we as humans should relate to AGI, and consider the impact of AGI on human entanglements with digital technology.
The module’s main learning activities will focus on discussions in seminars based on critical reading and thought each week. We will likely have different activities (debates, small group work, etc.) and these will involve you using critical argument to defend your own reasoned views on ethical questions that are raised within the seminars and in prior assigned materials. Through discussion and debate with other students, you will develop your expertise and understanding of the complex issues around human beings, AI and relationships.
On successful completion of the module you will be able to:
1. Articulate how ethical issues arise through technology usage within various human relationships, with a special focus on AI use and human-AI relationships.
2. Critically evaluate central problems and key normative ideas when applied to AI and its role in various human-AI relationships.
3. Develop insightful and rationally persuasive arguments when justifying ideas and solutions to ethical problems raised by human-AI relationships.
4. Weigh up different arguments and perspectives, using supporting evidence to form opinions, arguments, theories and ideas. (Academic, Work Ready and Sustainability skill)
5. Effectively communicate key facts, ideas and theories in written form. (Academic, Work Ready and Sustainability skill)
6. Search for, evaluate and use appropriate and relevant information sources to help strengthen the quality of academic work and research. (Academic, Work Ready, Enterprise and Sustainability skill)
7. Identify ethical questions, which involve considering what is morally right or fair, and how we make good choices; understands how decisions affect people and the world around. (Sustainability skill)
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminar | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Seminar | 9 | 2 | 18 |
| Private study hours | 130 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
130
Students will be invited to complete one piece of formative work which will receive written feedback. In this module, students are given two options:
1. 500-word exposition of a philosophical argument or,
2. 500-word objection and replies
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team