Philosophy 180DE - Topics in Applied Philosophy: 'Data Ethics'

This course is an introduction to ethical issues surrounding the collection and use of data in society. Case studies illustrate beneficial and novel uses of data, while highlighting serious problems that may arise as a result of automation, feedback loops, misinformation, the loss of privacy, the concentration of power, and biases of race, gender, and class. We study principles that guide practices of data collection, storage, analysis, and application. Primarily, we begin to identify and explore a broad range of issues implicated by these practices and how relevant bodies of ethical theory might usefully inform thinking about our obligations (professional, social, and individual).