Critical Studies on Algorithms: A Meeting Point between Engineering and the Social Sciences?
Keywords:
algorithms, social sciences, engineering, researchAbstract
We are in the Era of the Algorithm or, as is pointed out by some experts, in an “algocracy” where math and computer sciences are becoming a powerful mechanism that influences and guides our behavior and the governance of society. This “algocracy”, beyond our vision or will for action, more and more conditions our existence. In addition, its increasing use, while providing us with a powerful tool for knowledge, also restricts, manipulates, controls, and provokes us, at times in a benign way and at others in a riskier and more problematic one. At present, our perception confuses its effectiveness and legitimacy. Engineering and the social sciences have a common field of work and dialogue to face the new social challenges presented by the digital society. This paper describes and identifies some lynchpins that are set forth in critical studies on algorithms, their fundamental properties and social, ethical, political and legal issues, which are produced or reinforced by their use, as well as the most suitable social science methodologies to analyze them.Downloads
References
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