Ethics of quantification or quantification of ethics?. (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saltelli, Andrea
• Is Part Of: Futures. Volume 116(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Ethics of algorithms -- Metrics -- Statistical modelling -- Mathematical modelling -- NUSAP -- Sensitivity auditing; Economic forecasting -- Periodicals; Technological forecasting -- Periodicals; Economic policy -- Periodicals; Prévision économique -- Périodiques; Prévision technologique -- Périodiques; Politique économique -- Périodiques; Economic forecasting; Economic policy; Technological forecasting; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 330.0112
• DOI: 10.1016/j.futures.2019.102509
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-3287

Abstract

Highlights: Common ethical features of different instances of quantification are identified. Problematic elements - such as metrics fixation, statistical abuses, poor modelling and unethical algorithms - are discussed. By reviewing these, an absence of ethical direction is noted. Suggestions are made to produce better practices. Abstract: Something can be gained by looking at common ethical features of different instances of quantification. While ethics of algorithms is perceived at present as an urgent issue, similar concerns can easily be associated to the use of metrics, of statistical inference, and of mathematical modelling. By reviewing these common features, strategies of resistance can be imagined to cope with computational dystopias, metrics fixation and numerical abuse.