Criminal justice

Epistemology

Identification (biology)

Philosophy

Economic Justice

Psychology

Economics

Political science

Pure mathematics

Data science

Key (lock)

Social justice

Mathematics

Computer security

Computer science

Management science

Botany

Criminology

Biology

Field (mathematics)

Philosophy Compass

Data‐driven algorithms are widely used to make or assist decisions in sensitive domains, including healthcare, social services, education, hiring, and criminal justice. In various cases, such algorithms have preserved or even exacerbated biases against vulnerable communities, sparking a vibrant field of research focused on so‐called algorithmic biases. This research includes work on identification, diagnosis, and response to biases in algorithm‐based decision‐making. This paper aims to facilitate the application of philosophical analysis to these contested issues by providing an overview of three key topics: What is algorithmic bias? Why and how can it occur? What can and should be done about it? Throughout, we highlight connections—both actual and potential—with philosophical ideas and concerns.

Algorithmic bias: Senses, sources, solutions