VPW: Ethical Issues in the Use of Computer Decision Models (Ethics/Computer Science)

计算机化的决策模型越来越多地被使用 在公共和私营部门的决策，影响到每个人。 养恤基金根据计算机模型进行投资; 医科学生实习生与医院的匹配是基于 计算机模型;空中交通是根据 计算机模型;所得税法是根据以下因素改变的 模型;等等。然而，通常那些在模型上做决定的人， 一个计算机模型的基础不懂算法 在模型中使用或假设。 他们不能 批判性地评估模型的输出。 此外，作出的决定 使用计算机模型往往是无法访问的公众， 受到他们的影响。 因此，越来越多的使用和依赖 因此，计算机模型提出了重要的伦理问题。 的 最严重的问题集中在使用模型对 民主进程，模范的责任 设计师对他们的客户和公众，以及治疗 风险往往隐藏在模型中。 虽然大量的研究 在最近几年里， 在计算机的伦理问题上， 使用计算机决策所产生的伦理问题 模型已经解决。 调查人员将合作识别和分析 围绕计算机模型使用的伦理问题。 的 分析将导致建议改变的方式， 模型的设计和使用，以及建模者的工作方式 在他们的专业角色。 该项目进一步推动了VPW计划 目标，为妇女提供机会， 通过研究从事科学或工程职业， 鼓励其他妇女在这些领域从事职业， 调查员作为东道国榜样的可见度提高 校园 有助于第二个目标的拟议活动 目标包括：举办研讨会;安排非正式的 女教师和女学生讨论小组; 教/共同教一门课程。

Computerized decision models are increasingly being used in the public and private sector for decisions that affect everyone. Pension funds are invested on the basis of computer models; medical student interns are matched with hospitals on the basis of a computer model; air traffic is controlled on the basis of a computer model; income tax laws are changed on the basis of models; and so on. Yet, often those who make decisions on the basis of a computer model do not understand the algorithms used, or the assumptions made, in the model. They cannot critically assess the model's output. Moreover, decisions made using computer models are often not accessible to the public that is affected by them. Hence, increasing use of, and dependence upon, computer models raises important ethical questions. The most serious issues center on the effects of the use of models on the democratic process, the responsibilities of the model designers to their clients and to the public, and the treatment of risk that is often buried in a model. While a good deal of research has been done in recent years on the social impact of computers and on the ethical issues surrounding computers, only rarely have the ethical issues arising from the use of computer decision models been addressed. The investigator will collaborate in identifying and analyzing the ethical issues surrounding the use of computer models. The analysis will lead to recommendations for change in the way models are designed and used, and in the way modelers function in their professional roles. This project furthers VPW program objectives to provide opportunities for women to advance their careers in science or engineering through research, and to encourage other women to pursue careers in these areas through the investigator's enhanced visibility as a role model on the host campus. The proposed activities which contribute to the second objective include: presenting seminars; arranging informal discussion groups for women faculty and students; and teaching/co-teaching a course.