Undergraduate Course: The Social Psychology of Animals and Artificial Minds (PSYL10193)
Course Outline
| School | School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | Much of social psychology focuses on how we think about ourselves (e.g., identity, self-esteem) or how we view other humans (e.g., partners, outgroups). This course looks at how we view other non-humans. Specifically, we focus on two highly relevant non-human others: animals and artificial minds (e.g., AIs, robots). During the lecture series, we will explore the psychology behind how we think about, feel towards, and treat these other minds. We will especially focus on the mental health costs and benefits of these relationships, and how and when we treat other minds poorly. The work will combine classic social psychological theories and apply that lens to a range of often neglected other minds. |
| Course description |
This Level 10 psychology options course explores the profound intersections between biological and synthetic intelligences. By examining Animals and Artificial Minds, we move beyond viewing these entities as mere novelties at the periphery of human experience. Instead, they serve as critical lenses through which we can challenge and redefine the boundaries of core psychological constructs.
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Visiting students should be studying Psychology as their degree major, and have completed at least 3 Psychology courses at grade B or above. We will only consider University/College level courses. Applicants should note that, as with other popular courses, meeting the minimum does NOT guarantee admission. **Please note that upper level Psychology courses are high-demand, meaning that they have a very high number of students wishing to enrol in a very limited number of spaces.** These enrolments are managed strictly by the Visiting Student Office, in line with the quotas allocated by the department, and all enquiries to enrol in these courses must be made through the CAHSS Visiting Student Office. It is not appropriate for students to contact the department directly to request additional spaces. |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2026/27, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 0 |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 20,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
176 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Assessment 1: Digital poster (600 words) - 30%
Assessment 2: Essay (2,000 words) - 70% |
| Feedback |
Students will get written feedback on both assessments. The timing of feedback on assessment 1 will allow it to be used for assessment 2. The CO will be available to answer questions in office hours and during lecture breaks. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Critically examine the scientific literature to identify evidence for/against scientific claims.
- Present and defend a written evidence-based argument or claim.
- Demonstrate a command of key theories and findings in the social psychology and apply them to understanding other minds.
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Reading List
- Loughnan, S., Bastian, B., & Haslam, N. (2014). The Psychology of Eating Animals. Current Directions in Psychological Science Ladak, A.,
- Loughnan, S., & Wilks, M. (2024). The moral psychology of Artificial Intelligence. Current Directions in Psychological Science |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
- |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Stephen Loughnan
Tel: (0131 6)50 9861
Email: steve.loughnan@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Ms Fiona Thomson
Tel:
Email: fthomso3@ed.ac.uk |
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