The Promise and Peril of Quantification | Department of Mathematics

The Promise and Peril of Quantification

Event Information
Event Location: 
GAB 461
Event Date: 
Friday, April 5, 2013 - 12:00pm

Abstract:

In recent decades quantitative indicators have increasingly been used to evaluate a whole host of endeavors including teaching effectiveness; the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of a nation, company, or household; and the originality of hip hop music. While indicators can be incredibly helpful means of assessing complex systems and conveying information to experts and laypeople alike, if they are even subtly misaligned with their user's ideals their use may drive policy-making and action away from the user's goals. After illustrating this misalignment through the example of sustainability indexes, this talk will raise questions about the responsible use of indicators.

Brief Bio: Sarah E. Fredericks is an assistant professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religion Studies at the University of North Texas. Her research focuses on the interaction of the sciences, philosophy, and religion, especially around environmental issues. Fredericks' first book, Measuring and Evaluating Sustainability: Ethics in Sustainability Indexes is being published by Routledge-Earthscan this summer.