The Ethics of Algorithmic Decision-Making in Democratic Institutions

The normative implications of algorithmic decision-making are currently generating lively debate in multiple academic disciplines, such as applied ethics and computer science (especially in the emerging subdiscipline of FAT*ML: fairness, accountability and transparency in machine learning). By contrast, political philosophers—including democratic theorists— have engaged with the subject of algorithmic decision-making much less. This is surprising, given that algorithmic tools, as they are used here and now, seem to raise complex new questions for long-standing debates in political philosophy: on equality, justice, discrimination, autonomy, accountability, responsibility, and power. As democratic institutions themselves increasingly rely on algorithmic tools in criminal justice, in law enforcement, and in decision-making about the allocation of resources and benefits, these questions become even more pressing. This workshop aims to bring together political philosophers interested in exploring the democratic implications of algorithmic tools.

Organizer: Dr Annette Zimmermann, Princeton University.

REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY. The workshop is currently at full capacity, but there is a waiting list. Please contact the organizer for further information.