Revolutionary Mathematics: Artificial Intelligence, Statistics and the Logic of Capitalism

Algorithms and their statistical approaches to knowledge have become the organizational backbone of contemporary capitalism, mediated by finance, politics, media, opportunities, information, shopping, and knowledge production. Joque's book explores the revolution in statistics and probability that has underwritten the explosion of machine learning, big data, and predictive algorithms, providing a new perspective on the dangers of allowing artificial intelligence and big data to manage society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 11 January 2022
Publisher: Verso Books

Algorithms and their statistical approaches to knowledge have become increasingly influential in shaping our finances, politics, media, opportunities, information, shopping, and knowledge production. These methods have become the organizational backbone of contemporary capitalism. In his book, Revolutionary Mathematics, Joque explores the revolution in statistics and probability that has led to the explosion of machine learning, big data, and predictive algorithms. He shows how this transformation was not merely a technical change but a wholesale philosophical transformation in the production of knowledge and the extraction of value.

The book provides a new and unique perspective on the dangers of allowing artificial intelligence and big data to manage society. It highlights the shifts in the philosophical understanding of probability in the late twentieth century, which led to the rise of algorithms and their blind trust by many. The book argues that this trust has reshaped our current political and economic situation, and it is essential reading for those who want to understand the underlying ideological and philosophical changes that have fueled the rise of algorithms.

The impact of algorithms on our lives is vast and far-reaching. They have revolutionized the way we finance, communicate, and make decisions. For example, financial algorithms analyze vast amounts of data to predict market trends and make investment decisions, while social media algorithms personalize our news feeds and recommend products to us. However, the power of algorithms also comes with risks. They can be biased, leading to unfair outcomes, and they can be used to manipulate public opinion and influence elections.

Moreover, the increasing reliance on algorithms has raised concerns about privacy and security. With so much personal data being collected and analyzed, there is a risk of it being used for malicious purposes, such as identity theft or surveillance. This has led to calls for greater regulation and oversight of the algorithms used by companies and governments.

In conclusion, Revolutionary Mathematics provides a valuable perspective on the revolution in statistics and probability that has underwritten the rise of algorithms and their impact on our lives. It highlights the dangers of allowing artificial intelligence and big data to manage society and calls for greater regulation and oversight of these technologies. By understanding the philosophical and ideological changes that have fueled the rise of algorithms, we can better understand the challenges and opportunities they present and work towards a more equitable and sustainable future.

Weight: 230g
Dimension: 210 x 140 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788734004