The Challenge of Quantification: An Interdisciplinary Reading

Monica Di Fiore, Marta Kuc-Czarnecka, Samuele Lo Piano, Arnald Puy, Andrea Saltelli

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Abstract

The present work looks at what we call “the multiverse of quantification”, where visible and invisible numbers permeate all aspects and venues of life. We review the contributions of different authors who focus on the roles of quantification in society, with the aim of capturing different and sometimes separate voices. Several scholars, including economists, jurists, philosophers, sociologists, communication and data scientists, express concerns or identify critical areas of our relationship with new technologies of ‘numericization’. While mindful of the important specificities of the different families of quantification, we use our broad and holistic canvas to explore possible spaces for a more systematic investigation of incumbent and novel quantifications, as to increase communication among disciplinary communities, and among these and society, in the pursuit a democratic agency and self-defence.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)53-70
Number of pages18
JournalMinerva
Volume61
Issue number1
Early online date21 Dec 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2023

Keywords

  • Algorithms
  • Article
  • Ethics of quantification
  • Mathematical modelling
  • Metrics
  • Rating
  • Sociology of quantification

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