Judgment Day: Big Data as the Big Decider

This Digital Age has borne witness to not only an influx of information but also the need to make use of this information. The rapid growth of information results in the pervasion of Big Data in “all areas of human endeavor” (Mayer-Schönberger & Cukier, 2013). Including Big Data evaluations, or algorithmic outputs, in our decision-making process has significant material consequences and the changes how we discuss the role of Big Data in our decision-making process. To understand who we are, Arendt argues that judgment occurs through speech and action (Arendt, 1958). Humans are accustomed to undergoing deliberative processes to make decisions. Algorithms produce automatic outputs which changes, and in some cases removes the deliberative space. When we rely on black boxed algorithms or technology that could produce or reinforce disparate impact on individuals, how we engage in those deliberations modifies human judgment in some way. This thesis analyzes discourses around the implementation of Big Data our justice and finance systems. Through a risk assessment algorithm called COMPAS and credit scores, discourses are predominantly framed around perceived notions of objectivity in the data. Ultimately, the role of human judgment shifts but is still necessary if we are to continue relying on technological advancements for the betterment of society.

Grantor dc:publisher

Wake Forest University

Year dc:date.issued

2018

Author dc:creator

• Taylor, Tyiste Braché

• algorithm

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/90746

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:wakespace.lib.wfu.edu:10339/90746