Based on the almost mythical promise that data-driven insights are the foundation for optimized processes and decisions, data has developed as an immensely powerful socioeconomic and political force over the past three decades. Consequently, much of our current media and knowledge infrastructures are built around the production, collection, “cleansing”, augmentation, trading, processing, analyzing, and benchmarking of data.

In response, the field of Critical Data Studies is concerned with demystifying these complex assemblages. CDS deconstructs the notion that data is a raw mass and thus an immediate reflection of reality, replacing it with an understanding of data as the product and catalyst of complex social practices that are not only contingent, but oozing with asymmetries of power.

In this workshop we will address CDS, as well as the limitations of focusing on data, especially when it comes to addressing ethical-political challenges in AI. We highlight the role of entrenched informatics methodologies, modeling bias, and infrastructure dominance as other relevant factors that require looking beyond data.

Based on a general introduction into basic CDS and data ethics positions, in this workshop, we invite you to dive deeper by considering different contexts of production, and use of data in terms of the ethical tensions that may arise during your own work, and to relate these tensions to existing and potentially conflicting norms, values, and political economies that might play a role.

Learning goals

• Understanding the basics of Critical Data Studies
• Understanding Data Ethics positions
• Reflection on the production of (research) data in relation to your own work
• Reflection on the tensions and potentially conflicting norms, values and political economies that play a role in (research) data production

For this workshop, no prior knowledge is required.

Workshop instructors

Practical information

Language: English

This workshop includes a free lunch. Due to the university policy to reduce waste, you will have to bring your own cup for beverages.

Registration

Maximum participants: 25. The workshop is offered free of charge. In case of over-registration, a selection will be made based on background and motivation. You will receive notification no later than February 13 whether your participation is final.