Over the course of a generation, algorithms have gone from mathematical abstractions to powerful mediators of daily life. In evolving from static computer programs hand-coded by engineers to the products of machine learning, these technologies have made our lives more efficient, more entertaining, and, sometimes, better informed. At the same time, complex algorithms are increasingly crushing the basic rights of individual citizens. Allegedly anonymized datasets and statistical models routinely leak our most sensitive personal information; applications for everything from loans to college reflect racial and gender bias. Meanwhile, users manipulate algorithms to "game" search engines, spam filters, online reviewing services and navigation apps. Understanding and improving the science behind the algorithms that run our lives is quickly becoming one of the most pressing issues of this century. Traditional solutions, such as laws, regulations and watchdog groups, have proven woefully inadequate, at best. Derived from the cutting-edge of scientific research, The Ethical Algorithm offers a new approach: a set of principled solutions based on the emerging and exciting science of socially aware algorithm design. Weaving together the science behind algorithm design with stories of citizens, lawyers, scientists, and activists experiencing the trial-and-error of research in real-time, Michael Kearns and Aaron Roth present a strikingly original way forward, showing how we can begin to work together to protect people from the unintended impacts of algorithms--and, sometimes, protect the science that could save us from ourselves.
Industry Reviews
"...the authors take us on a journey through the main socio-algorithmic problems representing social constraints upon algorithms, their consequences and trade-offs. [T]hey provide concrete technical solutions for the challenges discussed throughout the book's 5 chapters: privacy, fairness, user-data-algorithm feedback loop, data-driven scientific discoveries and (brief) thoughts on the ethical issues (transparency, accountability, morality) yet to be pursued
scientifically." -- ESSSAT News & Reviews
"It is elegantly written, easy to read and full of entertaining examples." -- Martin Peterson, Prometheus
"The data science revolution has important ethical underpinnings. The authors make a powerful case for the development of AI ethics as a subject in its own right. The Ethical Algorithm shows that apocalyptic predictions of an algorithmized society are far from inevitable. Anyone interested in AI should read and process this essential book."
--Dr. Marcos Lopez de Prado, C.E.O. of True Positive Technologies, L.P., and Quant of the Year 2019 (The Journal of Portfolio Management)
"Is the road to hell paved with well-intentioned algorithms? Many think so. For a more level-headed view, read this timely book by two leading experts: clear, concise, focused on understanding the problems and figuring out solutions, it's your perfect guide to the new science of ethical algorithms."
--Dr. Pedro Domingos, Professor of Computer Science at the University of Washington and Author of The Master Algorithm
"Can ethics ever be 'encoded' into algorithms? In this very timely book, Michael Kearns and Aaron Roth present a range of algorithmic solutions to problems seemingly inherent to algorithmic decision-making. In a very methodical yet entertaining manner, they highlight the potential of fixing issues related to privacy, fairness, and interpretability within algorithms without losing sight of the ongoing importance of human judgment."
--Dr. Dorothea Baur, Author and International Technology Ethics Consultant
"In a world with unprecedented access to data, this well researched book tackles the near term risks with concrete, real world examples that are facing algorithms today. The Ethical Algorithm is clearly articulated and full of insights."
--Carol E. Reiley, Cofounder, Advisor, and Board Member of Drive.ai
"Both Kearns and Roth, professors of computer and information science at the University of Pennsylvania, who have written extensively on algorithms and data science, here do a thorough job of explaining the science of algorithm design and the ethical and inherent technical difficulties in doing so."--Library Journal
"If you are interested in your online footprint, or just confused about the adverts you receive, I cannot recommend The Ethical Algorithm enough. It is a thought-provoking yet easy read, demystifies the processing of large datasets and neatly lays out the power -- and ultimately the limits -- of designing more responsible machine-learning algorithms."
--Nature Physics
"Recommended for anyone with an interest in technology and the ethical implications of our increasing use of algorithms."--Andrei Rogobete, The Centre for Enterprise, Markets, and Ethics
