ETHICS AND MATHEMATICS: FOR STUDENTS BY STUDENTS

This volume explores the ethical dimensions of mathematics as experienced and articulated by doctoral students in mathematics and the sciences. As society becomes increasingly reliant on mathematical models, algorithms, and data, the ethical implications of how mathematics is used — and misused — are gaining urgency. Yet most scientists and mathematicians receive little formal training in ethical reflection.

Responding to this gap, this collection presents a series of thoughtful and accessible essays written by students taking a mandatory course on the theory of science and ethics. The contributions span topics such as scientific responsibility, the ethics of mathematical modeling, decolonization of research, automation, and the moral obligations of mathematicians. Framed by an expert introduction and concluding analysis, the essays provide a rare and engaging entry point into a field where literature for students is still scarce.

Contents:

• About the Editors
• Introduction (Gunilla Öberg)
• How It All Began (Ragnar Fjelland)
• Ethical Issues in Science and Academia:
  • Should Scientists Rule the World? (Francesco Saltalamacchia)
  • Science, Politics and Paleoclimatology (Jarle Børve Sleire)
  • Could Ammonia Make Science Political? (Marcello Costamagna)
  • Colonial Legacies in Geophysical Modeling: Steps toward Decolonizing Research (Charlotte Rahlves)
  • The Weight of a Baby in an Academic Career (Johanna Austrheim Hundvin)
• Ethical Issues of Specific Relevance to Mathematics:
  • On the Nature of Ethics in Mathematics (Wim Van den Brook)
  • How Ethics and Values Exist in Mathematics (Ingrid Kristine Jacobsen)
  • The Importance of Ethics in Pure Mathematics (Peter Moritz von Schultzendorff)
  • Are the Laws of Mathematics Indisputable? (Daniel Førland Holmen)
• Ethical Issues and Mathematical Modeling:
  • What Is a Good Scientific Model? (Marius Nevland)
  • Ethical Concerns Surrounding Mathematical Models (Shin Irgens Banshoya)
  • How to Handle Scientific Values and Expert Insight When Transitioning from Manual to Automated Evaluation? (Astrid Marie Skålvik)
  • Should We Settle for Simplifications of Opaque Systems? (Brigt Håvardstun)
  • How Ethical Can Mathematical Modeling Be, and What Is Its Role in Society? (Belén García Pascual)
• Education and Management of Mathematicians:
  • Are Mathematicians Adequately Trained? An Applied Mathematician's Qualms Regarding Ethics and Scientific Integrity in Practice (Anita Stene Løtvedt)
  • Mathematics, a Catalyst for Thought or an Instrumental Weapon? (René Langøen)
  • Are Mathematicians Immoral? (Irati Manterola Ayala)
  • Management of Mathematics (Samuele Andreoli)
• Analysis and Conclusions:
  • Student Perspectives on Mathematics and Ethics (Maurice Chiodo and Dennis Müller)
  • Teaching Ethics of Mathematics: Lessons Learned from a Mandatory PhD Course (Gunilla Öberg)
• Index

Readership: Undergraduate and graduate students in mathematics and in areas that rely on mathematics, such as engineering, statistics, computer science, physics, biology, health sciences, and chemistry. Researchers and practitioners in the fields of mathematics education.