The World's Best Book Summaries
What causes big data discrimination? How do dangerous math models hurt the poor? In Weapons of Math Destruction, Cathy O’Neil argues that dangerous math models disproportionately inflict harm on the poor. This is because they show favoritism towards rich people. Let’s dive deeper into big data’s discrimination problem.
How can you use mathematical models ethically? What are ways to regulate industry use of math models? Cathy O’Neil proposes strategies industries and governments can take to limit the harm caused by dangerous mathematical models. She recommends monitoring math models, regulating them, and setting more positive goals for math models. Keep reading to learn more about ethics in mathematics.
Should fairness be accounted for in economics? How does fairness conflict with budget optimization? Economist Richard H. Thaler argues that consumers are concerned with fairness and cooperation, even when these concerns get in the way of their budget. This is shown by two experiments: the ultimatum game and the prisoner’s dilemma. Discover why fairness in economics doesn’t always have a happy ending.
Should you trust data-based arguments? How can data go terribly wrong? In Calling Bullshit, Carl T. Bergstrom and Jevin D. West investigate how bullshit is created. They assert that it happens when people use faulty data as a basis for their arguments. Specifically, they say selection bias can lead to bullshit because it justifies faulty conclusions based on unrepresentative samples. Read more to understand how selection bias in statistics can lead to harmful misinformation.
Can you distinguish causation from correlation? Do you notice when numbers have been taken out of context? Unfortunately, some people manipulate data to mislead others. In their book Calling Bullshit, Carl T. Bergstrom and Jevin D. West argue that bullshitters make invalid inferences from valid data or visually misrepresent valid data in graphic form. Keep reading to learn how bullshitters purposely misinterpret data to draw unjustified conclusions.
Is social stratification necessarily a bad thing? How can social stratification cause inequality? As communities grow, stratification (a division between more experienced and less experienced members) will naturally occur. Charles Vogl explains that stratification is a good thing, as it gives members something to aspire to. Discover why social stratification and inequality don’t always mean the same thing.
Can artificial intelligence take over the world? Why should we expect AI to use its power to the detriment of humankind? A superintelligent AI would be a powerful entity. But because AI isn’t human, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee that it’ll be smart enough to use its power responsibly. Continue reading to figure out how AI can use its power against humanity.
What’s the role of ethics in business? Where did the stereotype of “Greedy Jew” come from? In Thou Shall Prosper, Daniel Lapin advises making money ethically, regardless of whether you run your own company or work for someone else. He also addresses why Jewish people have the unfortunate stereotype of being greedy and unethical. Keep reading to learn more about the role of ethics in business from a Jewish standpoint.
What type of regulation should be put on AI? Is it a waste of time to put limitations on AI? In Superintelligence, Nick Bostrom cautions that a superintelligent AI would eventually be able to circumvent any controls or limitations that humans placed upon it. However, that doesn’t mean imposing limits is a waste of time. Here’s how to conduct proper regulation of AI.
What can we do to make sure a superintelligent AI doesn’t destroy humanity? How can we control AI? In principle, one option would be never to develop general AI in the first place. However, Superintelligence by Nick Bostrom says that someone will still develop it anyway and that the best way to prepare for it is to control it ethically. Check out how to control AI so it doesn’t relegate humans to miserable living conditions.