Philosophy Question

Week 2 Homepage

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WEEKS 1-2: IS AUTOMATED DECISION-MAKING FAIR?

Week 2: Are College Admissions Fair?

• Below is the assigned reading/watching for the week. The expectation is to complete the assigned reading/watching before attempting the weekly assignments. I record informative (and sometimes entertaining) videos that break down the main arguments in the readings, clarify technical details, and discuss how these ideas relate to the assignment prompts. The recorded lectures are the "class" so skipping these is like signing up for a college course and then never attending a single class session. It will be very difficult to meet course standards without watching the recorded lectures. Philosophy is not just a set of skills and ideas to memorize--it's a way of life--so I hope that most of you will put in the hard work to grow philosophically with me this semester.

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Assigned Reading/Watching

• Topic: What is a WMD? Models, Choices, and Assumptions
  1. Cathy O’Neil, Weapons of Math Destruction, Chapter 1, “Bomb Parts”Download Cathy O’Neil, Weapons of Math Destruction, Chapter 1, “Bomb Parts”
• Topics: Proxies and Optimization
  1. Cathy O’Neil, Weapons of Math Destruction, Chapter 3, “Arms Race”Download Cathy O’Neil, Weapons of Math Destruction, Chapter 3, “Arms Race”
  2. Google, “Machine Learning and Human Bias” (2:33)Links to an external site.
     Minimise video
• Topic: Algorithms in College Admissions
  1. DJ Pangburn, “Schools are using software to help pick who gets in. What could go wrong?” (Fast Company)Links to an external site.

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"Podcasts" (Recorded Lectures)

• Watching the recorded lectures is a requirement in this course. The lectures are the class, so skipping these is like skipping class. Students will find it difficult to meet course standards if they skip class.
  1. Topic: What is a WMD? Models, Choices, and Assumptions (31 mins)Links to an external site.
  2. Topic: Proxies and Optimization (57 mins)Links to an external site.
  3. Topic: Algorithms in College Admissions (22 mins)Links to an external site.
     • I realized that the chat box isn't available for the recording so here is the link from the College BoardLinks to an external site. that discusses some admission proxies.
  4. Topic: Essay Explanation, Strategies, and FAQs (35 mins)Links to an external site.

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Vibes (Optional Music Videos for Fun)

• Watching these music videos is completely optional. However, it may be fun to listen to while you are philosophizing about the assigned materials. I select music videos that are relevant to what we're studying each week.
  • Britney Spears - "Toxic"Links to an external site.
  • DEVO - "Peek A Boo"Links to an external site.
  • DEVO - "Freedom of Choice"Links to an external site.
  • Vitamin C - "Graduation (Friends Forever)"Links to an external site.

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Weekly Assignments

Due FRIDAY

• • Argumentative Essay: College Admissions
    • After I grade and give feedback, students have the choice to revise and resubmit one time for a higher grade. If you choose to submit a revised essay, then the final day to submit is Thursday, February 13th by 11:59pm. This is the final day of the Winter semester and I will not accept any assignments after this date. No exceptions.