An optimizable scalar objective value cannot be objective and should not be the sole objective

Abstract

This paper concerns the ethics and morality of algorithms and computational systems, and has been circulating internally at Facebook for the past couple years. The paper reviews many Nobel laureates' work, as well as the work of other prominent scientists such as Richard Dawkins, Andrei Kolmogorov, Vilfredo Pareto, and John von Neumann. The paper draws conclusions based on such works, as summarized in the title. The paper argues that the standard approach to modern machine learning and artificial intelligence is bound to be biased and unfair, and that longstanding traditions in the professions of law, justice, politics, and medicine should help.

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Reproductions