Abstract

Being aware of the ethical issues that you as a mathematician may face is an extremely important step. But this is only the first in a sequence of potential steps. You can take this further, by starting to tell other mathematicians you work with or interact with. You can try and get involved with decision-making processes, by taking a seat at tables of power and authority. And you could even work towards identifying the unethical behaviour of other mathematicians completely unrelated to you, and call out their harmful actions to the community and to the public. This is fairly new and uncharted territory for mathematicians, and they’re exactly the sorts of activities we shy away from. But now is the time to step up and take responsibility, because if we don’t do it, then no-one else will.

This talk is part 8 and the last session of the seminar series Ethics in Mathematics hosted by the Cambridge University Ethics in Mathematics Society over Michaelmas. The event will consist of an interactive lecture followed by a discussion session.