Language: English
Location: In-Person (TUM, Augustenstr. 40) and online
Offered in: Summer semester 2026
Description
AI agents are often predicted to be the next great advancement in digital technology. However, there’s considerable uncertainty about the nature of AI agents and how they can best complement human agency.
This seminar builds on the rich philosophical discussion of agency to clarify fundamental questions about AI agents, including: What is an agent, and what constitutes agency? What role do intentionality, consciousness, will, and understanding play in agency? Are AI agents complete agents on their own, or do they inherently depend on human agency? Are there fundamental limits to what they can do? How can AI agents best cooperate with human agents?
These questions will be discussed based on groundbreaking philosophical texts chosen by students from a list. Students can also suggest other texts of their interest. The seminar comprises both regular in-person meetings and exchanges with SAP employees working with AI agents in business contexts.
Upon successful completion of this seminar, students will be able to:
- analyze philosophical texts and apply their insights to contemporary technology
- describe arguments from today’s philosophical discussions on AI and agents
- delineate features of agency and meaning and their relation to computation
- understand ways in which AI and agents can influence human thought, emotion, and behavior
- describe the implications of the use of AI agents in a business context
- present philosophical thought to a public audience that includes participants from the industry
- In-Class Presentations (30%) Students will deliver an 18–20 minute group presentation plus discussion, analyzing philosophical texts and applying philosophical concepts to AI issues. Each student will be evaluated individually based on their contribution, analytical depth, and presentation skills.
- Public Presentation (30%) Building on feedback from the in-class presentation, students will adapt and refine their analysis for a second presentation (18–20 minutes) plus discussion in a new context involving non-academic audiences. These presentations will facilitate dialogue with professionals who incorporate AI into their work processes. Assessment will focus on how effectively students integrate feedback, contextualize philosophical concepts for different audiences, and engage with diverse perspectives.
- Weekly Exercises (40%) Students will actively participate in class discussions, post 8–10 short online replies, and defend these in class. They answer – content-related questions that deepen understanding of the presented material and give – constructive collegial feedback on peer presentations.
Teaching and learning method
The seminar combines presentations and discussions in the seminar with additional presentations and discussions with employees of its largest software company, and others at the forefront of business AI. We discuss the literature and arguments in the seminar. Students will hold practice presentations, which will be discussed in the seminar. Students will then present the improved presentations to a broader audience of professionals.
The assessment consists of three components: