Tech Ethicists & Critics
Weapons of Math Destruction
Cathy O'Neil · 2016 · Crown
A former Wall Street quant's account of how opaque algorithms used in hiring, credit, and policing can reinforce inequality while appearing objective.
Cover image: Open Library.
Summary
“In theory, this should lead to greater fairness: Everyone is judged according to the same rules. But as mathematician and data scientist Cathy O'Neil reveals, the mathematical models being used today are unregulated and uncontestable, even when they're wrong.”
This book examines the widespread use of mathematical algorithms in contemporary society. The author asserts that decisions affecting various aspects of life, such as education, employment, and insurance, are increasingly made by machines rather than humans. Cathy O'Neil argues that while these models are theoretically meant to ensure fairness, they are often unregulated and can reinforce discrimination, disadvantaging certain groups and potentially undermining democratic principles.
Summary based on the publisher's page ↗
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About the author
Cathy O'Neil
Cathy O'Neil is the author of "Weapons of Math Destruction" and has a PhD in mathematics from Harvard. She has worked across finance, technology, and academia, and has founded an algorithmic auditing company.
Source: Publisher page ↗
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