Mathematicians acting amorally - how they harm society
From 35C3 Wiki
| Description | Mathematicians work at the heart of most emerging technologies. Their work is re-shaping the world, and yet they have little knowledge, appreciation or training in ethical awareness. I am working to change this, and bring about a serious discussion in the mathematical community about the social impact mathematicians can have. My name is Maurice Chiodo, and I am a postdoctoral researcher in mathematics at the University of Cambridge. You can contact me at: mcc56 AT cam DOT ac DOT uk , or on twitter: @mauricechiodo |
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| Website(s) | https://cueims.soc.srcf.net/, https://ethics.maths.cam.ac.uk/pub, http://www.ethics.maths.cam.ac.uk/EiM1/ |
| Type | |
| Kids session | No |
| Keyword(s) | |
| Tags | Ethics in Mathematics, Ethics, Mathematics |
| Person organizing | |
| Language | en - English |
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| Starts at | 2018/12/29 21:30 |
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| Ends at | 2018/12/29 23:00 |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Location | Room:Lecture room M3 |
Mathematics is a powerful tool; perhaps one of the most powerful tools we have in modern society. So many parts of our lives are run by mathematical processes. Thus, collectively, mathematicians have unexpectedly found themselves in a position of power. But with great power comes great responsibility. Yet no university mathematics degree teaches mathematicians anything about social responsibility or ethical behaviour. Oblivious to the consequences of their actions, mathematicians are now twisting and distorting the core processes in society. From the way we find information (search engines), to the way we purchase goods (online retailers), to the way we are judged in a courtroom (prison sentencing algorithms), to the way we decide who to vote for (targeted electoral advertising), to the way we find romantic partners (hookup apps). Mathematicians are controlling the way we live. For the past three years I have been running a seminar series at the University of Cambridge (UK), specifically for mathematicians, with the aim of teaching them some ethical awareness. In the process, I have learned a lot about how totally oblivious they are to the impact of their work. Being a mathematician myself I can understand how they formed this perspective, yet it is still quite unnerving to witness. In this talk I will share some of my experiences, and explain why I think that this community needs to be made aware of their potential to cause harm.
I gave a similar talk to this at 34C3, which generated a lot of great discussion and interest. I'm looking for more people to work with me on this project. Whether it be helping out with events and case studies that we're doing in Cambridge, or starting your own "chapter" of Ethics in Mathematics at your place of study/work, or any other involvement and contribution that you might want to make; everyone and everything is welcome!