Can we trust mathematical models to guide our most critical global decisions?
From managing epidemics to addressing climate change, mathematical models shape our world. This lecture explores why these tools are inherently imperfect and how we can establish an ethical framework for responsible modelling.
Mathematical models are essential for decision support in sectors like finance and public policy, yet they are never perfect replicas of reality. They are fundamentally partial, uncertain, and frequently subject to bias. Erica Thompson, Associate Professor of Modelling for Decision Making at UCL, examines the ethics of using these imperfect tools to inform high-stakes decisions.
The discussion extends to the future of technology, questioning how the principles of responsible modelling can be applied to emerging AI modelling methods. Thompson, who authored 'Escape From Model Land' in 2022, provides a framework for navigating the gap between model outputs and the real world.
Source: Responsible modelling - Erica Thompson
