Math, Ethics, and Society

Catalog description

Today, more than any time in history, mathematics builds and maintains the engines of power. What does it mean to use math ethically? Who should math benefit, and how does math culture, research, and education impact the world in which we live? We examine these questions through case studies covering a range of topics, including cryptography, algorithmically generated knowledge, AI, math education, and the underlying culture of mathematics. Students will learn through a combination of readings, discussions, group activities, and an open-ended cumulative project dealing with the interactions between math and community. Prerequisites: MATH 21, 105L, 111L, or 121.