Economic Possibilities for Artificial Intelligence
FYSEMR 75F
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
In 1930, amidst deep economic pessimism in the early years of the Great Depression, John Maynard Keynes wrote his famous essay: "Economic Possibilities for our Grandchildren." His essay got some things right and others badly wrong, but its core message was an optimistic story about the promise of technological progress. Even though the economy is much better now than it was in 1930, you can hear the echoes of Keynes’ essay in current fears about the rapid progress of AI. Is this time different? Are all our jobs going to disappear? Is society about to break?
This seminar will explore the economic possibilities of AI with a lens that focuses equally on the past, present, and future. It will also focus on a more practical question – what can I do already with current AI tools and systems, and how can I use them to accomplish my goals? Each class will be an intense discussion of the required readings. I will cold call students.
At the end of each class, students will write a short essay that reflects on the readings and what they have learned from class discussion. The final project will ask students to use AI tools to build something that would have been impossible for them to build two years ago. The project will be assessed purely on demonstrated usefulness, not on technical complexity.
NOTE: No laptops or other electronic devices are allowed in class; Prior coding experience is not required.
Class Notes
First-Year Seminars are available only to first-year students. You may apply to both Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 First-Year Seminars via the FYS lottery between July 6 and August 6, 2026 at 11:59PM-midnight.
You may apply to as many seminars each term as you would like, but we recommend you apply to at least six in fall and three in spring.
As part of your application, you must provide a brief statement on why you are interested in each seminar. You will be notified of lottery results for both fall and spring seminars at 5 pm on August 11. If you are unsuccessful in the lottery, you may still join any seminar with open seats. A list of open seminars and instructions on next steps will be available on the First-Year Seminar Program website August 11 at 12 Noon.
Not Available for Cross Registration
