Algorithms for the People: Democracy in the Age of AI

Algorithms for the People by Josh Simons explores how to put democracy at the heart of AI governance, arguing that human choices about how to design and use predictive tools shape their effects and that we must go beyond conventional theorizing of AI ethics to wrestle with fundamental moral and political questions about how the governance of technology can support the flourishing of democracy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 10 January 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are revolutionizing our world, impacting various aspects of our lives, from law enforcement to welfare agencies to content distribution. These powerful prediction tools are altering decision-making processes, limiting opportunities for judgment, empathy, and creativity. In his book "Algorithms for the People," Josh Simons challenges the traditional narrative of technology's impact on democracy and proposes a solution: putting democracy at the heart of AI governance.

Drawing on his extensive experience as a research fellow at Harvard University, a visiting research scientist on Facebook's Responsible AI team, and a policy advisor to the UK's Labour Party, Simons delves into the workings of predictive technologies, providing an accessible account of their functions, significance, and regulation. He argues that prediction is inherently political, as human choices in designing and using these tools shape their outcomes. By applying a political theory lens to predictive technologies, Simons offers a fresh perspective on how democracies should govern political choices made outside the realm of representative politics.

He emphasizes the connection between technology regulation and democratic reform, advocating for a comprehensive approach that addresses fundamental moral and political questions about the governance of technology. Simons challenges the conventional understanding of AI ethics and encourages us to delve into the deeper moral and political dimensions of how technology can support the flourishing of democracy.

In conclusion, "Algorithms for the People" is a thought-provoking book that offers a valuable roadmap for putting democracy at the heart of AI governance. By exploring the political nature of prediction, Simons provides a fresh perspective on how democracies can navigate the challenges and opportunities posed by these powerful technologies. His advocacy for comprehensive technology regulation and democratic reform is crucial in shaping a future where technology serves the greater good and strengthens democratic values.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691244006