A Hippocratic Oath for mathematicians? Mapping the landscape of ethics in mathematics
arXiv:2112.07025 · doi:10.1007/s11948-022-00389-y
Abstract
While the consequences of mathematically-based software, algorithms and strategies have become ever wider and better appreciated, ethical reflection on mathematics has remained primitive. We review the somewhat disconnected suggestions of commentators in recent decades with a view to piecing together a coherent approach to ethics in mathematics. Calls for a Hippocratic Oath for mathematicians are examined and it is concluded that while lessons can be learned from the medical profession, the relation of mathematicians to those affected by their work is significantly different. There is something to be learned also from the codes of conduct of cognate but professionalised quantitative disciplines such as engineering and accountancy, as well as from legal principles bearing on professional work. We conclude with recommendations that professional societies in mathematics should sponsor an (international) code of ethics, institutional mission statements for mathematicians and syllabuses for incorporation into mathematics degrees.
arXiv comment20 pages. Submitted to Science and Engineering Ethics
References in corpus (5)
- Artificial Intelligence: the global landscape of ethics guidelines
- Principles alone cannot guarantee ethical AI
- The Ethics of AI Ethics -- An Evaluation of Guidelines
- Degenerate Feedback Loops in Recommender Systems
- Forbidden knowledge in machine learning -- Reflections on the limits of research and publication