The Limits of Data
C. Thi Nguyen,
Issues in Science and Technology,
Dec 16, 2024
I think that when we talk about the 'limits of data' we're using the word 'data' in a specific sense. For example, C. Thi Nguyen writes, "here is the first principle of data: collecting data involves a trade-off. We gain portability and aggregability at the price of context-sensitivity and nuance." This is a trade-off only for a certain definition of data: data being something aggregated from a large number of people from multiple contexts. But if you look at a specific person in a specific context, you gain back that context-sensitivity and nuance. The same with the second principle: "every classification system represents some group's interests." Classification typically involves a focus on the selection of specific types of data, but why do this? Select all types of data and look for patterns, not classes. It's not like I'm disagreeing with Nguyen here. Context matters. Point of view matters. It's just that I think we can and should look at data more broadly. Via Peter Hanecak.
Today: 7 Total: 296 [Direct link] [Share]
