Surely there's no ethics in mathematics or computer science?

Séminaire général du département de mathématiques

Surely there's no ethics in mathematics or computer science?

Par Maurice CHIODO (University of Cambridge, UK)

Mathematics is both the language and the instrument that connects our abstract understanding with the physical world, and computer science is the mechanism we use to realise the full potential of our mathematics. Anyone with an aptitude and training in one invariably has an understanding of the other. Together, these two intrinsically-linked disciplines run practically everything in our society. Thus, knowledge of these quickly translates to substantial knowledge and influence on the way the world works. But those who have the greatest ability to understand and manipulate the world hold the greatest capacity to do damage and inflict harm. In this talk I’ll explain that yes, there is ethics in mathematics and computer science, and that it is up to us as the ones wielding these abstract technical tools to make good ethical choices, in order to prevent our work from becoming harmful.

 

Mis à jour le 6/3/2019