The Future of Machine Learning

Ethical Issues in Society

Melissa Michels
Professor Christen Enos
ENGW 3302
Due January 28, 2018
 Science fiction in popular culture
depicts a future where machines possess the
ability to diagnose patients from a simple
body scan, serve as critical forces in the
military, and even replace humans in
society. While it may seem unrealistic, these
elusive scenarios have transformed from a
logical backbone with the ongoing study of
machine learning. Machine learning
algorithms have the potential to have an
immense impact on our everyday lives and
the possibilities of such powerful innovation
are still being discovered. Many approaches
of achieving human-like intelligence have
emerged throughout the history of machine
learning but they are accompanied with
questions as well as limitations. How will
computer science professionals around the
globe determine whether society can rely on
machine learning algorithms as they must
consider the ethical challenges that emerge
as a result of complex data issues?
Prior to addressing the aspirations
among today’s professionals, it is important
to have an understanding of the concept of
machine learning and its notable history.
Machine learning (ML) is defined as a field
of Computer Science, more specifically
artificial intelligence (AI), that gives
computers the ability to learn without being
explicitly programmed [6]. The field
evolved from studies of pattern recognition
and computer learning theory. Machine
learning specifically explores the study and
construction of algorithms that learn from
and make predictions on data. An algorithm
is a term used in computer science and
mathematics to depict a step-by-step
process, or set of instructions, that
computers follow to solve problems such as:
calculations, data processing and automated
tasks [7]. The goal of machine learning is
for programs to learn from their previous
experiences exhibiting an ability to think
critically and draw conclusions that are not
“hard-coded” or static in their instructions.
While groundbreaking achievements
have been made, machine learning
algorithms still require more extensive
research to obtain such high-level goals. The
term machine learning was originally coined
in 1959 by Arthur Lee Samuel, an American
pioneer in computer gaming and artificial
intelligence. He introduced what appeared to
be the world’s first self-learning program
with the development of his Samuel
Checkers-playing Program [1]. The human
computer interaction occurred after each
move. The algorithm would calculate the
next move that optimized the value of the
function under the assumption that the
human player was also trying to optimize
the value of the same function. The logic of
the function was based on moves that were
considered to be good by checker experts
[1]. While Samuel’s work is far from the
reality of machine learning among today’s
professionals, it is notable because it set the
stage for researchers in computer science to
imagine a world where machines could
heavily and effectively influence decision
making processes in society.
A more revolutionary milestone of
machine learning occurred in the
mid-1960’s with the creation of a computer
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program named Eliza [3]. Eliza was created
in an artificial intelligence lab by MIT
student Joseph Weizenbaum as an
experiment to act as a psychologist for
patients with psychological issues. It was
one of the earliest natural language
processing computer programs that relied on
data and instructions that were supplied by a
script. Eliza’s notable achievement was the
fact that she was unable to converse with
true understanding but, was able to portray
the illusion of understanding as she relied on
keywords so that conversation flowed
naturally. Most importantly, this was the
first time that professionals witnessed how
willing users were to converse with a
machine. This introduced the possible
benefits machines could have when
interacting with humans in society. In this
case, to influence the lives of those with
psychological issues [5].
Over 50 years after the excitement of
Eliza, machine learning is now the fastest
growing technical field, exhibiting a
dominating popularity within computer
science. There has been visible competition
between world leading companies as they
race to secure patents and intellectual
property [2]. According to an article
released by Forbes, the largest tech
companies, like Google and Baidu, invested
between $20 and $30 billion on artificial
intelligence initiatives in 2016 and this
figure continues to grow. They believe
machine learning is a field worth pursuing
because of its potential to have such an
immense impact on human’s everyday lives
by offering smart solutions to problems and
diverse benefits to professionals across
disciplines. For example, the value gained
from researchers, data scientists, and
analysts uncovering hidden insights [4]. But
the glory of these potential benefits also
comes with high risk. Much of this risk is
associated with accompanied ethical issues,
especially in situations of high uncertainty.
Fields of high uncertainty can include any
area in which decisions directly affect the
well-being of others, for example: medicine
and transportation.
The current conversation among
professionals and scholars regarding the
ethical issues accompanied with society
relying on machine learning in high risk
situations largely pertains to human
influence in decision making. Professionals
argue that there is a gap between current
machine learning algorithms and the
standard of algorithms that are needed to
diminish the threat of unethical decision
making. Professionals and researchers must
design algorithms that learn without any
human influence in the loop with the hopes
of eliminating human biases [4]. This
becomes increasingly difficult because of
the level at which machine learning
algorithms rely on “Big Data” [4].
Big data is datasets that are so
voluminous and complex that traditional
data processing application software are
unable to handle them [8]. Big data
continues to grow exponentially with the
increased production of data by humans and
organizations in their everyday lives. Two
common examples include the increased use
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of social media and the amount of data
companies like Amazon collect on their
customers during online shopping. Issues
with relying on current datasets include: not
having the amount of data necessary to form
reliable patterns, encountering rare events in
which the data is unable to account for, as
well as effectively processing highly
complex data. These issues highlight the
need for machine learning algorithms to
have the ability to consciously draw
effective conclusions. Professionals continue
to motivate others, innovate and pursue
research with these factors as motives.
Andreas Holzinger, a researcher for
the Institute for Medical Informatics and
Statistics, in his scholarly editorial,
“Introduction of MAchine Learning &
Knowledge Extraction,” explores ethical
issues in machine learning in regards to
biases in datasets. He states that datasets
often contain biases as a result of human
bias in the real world. And as previously
mentioned, machine learning algorithms rely
heavily on datasets to learn. Thus, Holzinger
warns against the potential for machines to
learn the bias’ of humans and for them to
become digitized [1]. One example he
provides is the instance of the trends within
a hiring firm. If there are any discrepancy
across gender or race, the machine learning
algorithm may continue to make choices
based on the firm’s hiring history.
In his editorial, Holzinger addresses
his intended discourse community, the
international research community, on the
topic of machine learning and knowledge
extraction. He makes this clear at the
beginning when he states, “The goal is to
provide an incomplete, personally biased,
but consistent introduction into the concepts
of machine learning and knowledge
extraction and a brief overview of some
selected topics to stimulate future research
in the international research community.”
[4]. He assumes that his audience has a
reasonable understanding of the fundamental
theories in computer science and machine
learning. The international research
community is comprised of professionals
who are passionate about a cause and it is
evident that Holzinger shares the same
beliefs throughout his editorial.
Holzinger addresses his colleagues
with high regard, optimism, and passion.
And he stresses the importance for the
global community to work together. He
understands that it will take the expertise of
researchers across disciplines to achieve the
complex questions regarding machine
learning today. Holzinger goes as far as
saying that the global community must spark
this initiative “...for the benefit of the
human. Let’s MAKE it! [1]” His
enthusiastic persona is made clear through
his writing style as he often uses
exclamation points, energized wording, and
short sentences. In saying that the work done
by researchers around the globe is for the
benefit of the human, Holzinger is
suggesting that professionals have a moral
obligation to achieve these accomplishments
for society - a cause greater than themselves.
This tone and enthusiasm is an effort to
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connect to the reader’s ethos and generate
results.

The high level purpose of his

editorial is to discuss current practices in
machine learning but more importantly to
create an open platform for shared
knowledge. This is made clear as he shares
his plans for the journal to continue growing
with content as researches add to the cause.
Holzinger expresses a need for shared
collaboration due to the high complexity and
consequences of machine learning on
society. It is important to note that increased
learning in the world community would also
directly benefit Holzinger’s desires to
further his own personal works.

Machine learning has the potential to

shape the way individuals, professionals,
and organizations make decisions around the
world on a daily basis. As professionals
continue to push the boundaries and devise
increasingly intelligent machine learning
algorithms, they must consider the ethical
implications of decision making in high-risk
situations. Because this issue is so complex
it is important that we have dedicated
professionals like Andreas Holzinger
leading the path to effective human-like
intelligence.

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 Reflective Statement

Composing the unit 1 initial inquiry has allowed me to identify an interesting issue within
my field of study, read and analyze a supporting scholarly article on this topic, and gain
experience revising my work through multiple stages. I initially began searching generally for
popular conversations among professionals in computer science and I identified three possible
topics: the ethics of machine learning on society, the complications of big data within companies,
as well as the potential influences of the internet of things. I ultimately chose to discuss machine
learning because it tied into an experience I had on Co-op. While on Co-op at Vistaprint I
attended a talk on machine learning that was given by a senior software engineer. Seeing this
topic discussed enthusiastically by a professional in the computer science community stressed
the relevance of the topic and I wanted to learn more by exploring additional sources through my
own work.

My original draft was written over the course of several days. I spent the majority of the
time researching background information and analyzing my scholarly article so I could have a
solid understanding of the topic that I would be discussing with my peers. One aspect I
particularly liked about the unit 1 assignment was the opportunity to read the work of my
classmates and write their reviews. This allowed me to gain an additional point of view on the
requirements for the assignment. Thus, my revision process began as I wrote my peer reviews.
During this time I started to identify changes I desired to make in my own such as writing a
clearer thesis and a deeper analysis of my scholarly article.

I furthered my revision process by reading both the input I received from two peers as
well as the feedback from Professor Enos. Having three sources of recommendations I was able
to highlight and devise a comprehensive list of components of my paper that I would like to
target for revision. Professor Enos inspired me to consider the overall organization of my paper. I
made changes to ensure that my ideas flowed from each paragraph with effective first and
closing sentences. Jarred Lien gave inspired me to elaborate on my pre-existing conclusion by
highlighting more points I made throughout my essay. Lastly, I focused on Spencer Hurley’s
suggestion that I refine my thesis statement to make it clearer to the reader.

Overall, the unit 1 initial inquiry allowed me to follow a new process of writing and
revising a technical paper. I enjoyed being able to discuss the fastest growing topic in computer
science. I also feel that by reviewing my peers and receiving feedback from three sources I
gained a different perspective on the reviewing process that I will be able to utilize in future
assignments and classes.

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 References

[1] ​Arthur Samuel, ​Stanford Computer Science Computer History Display​, infolab.stanford.edu/
pub/voy/museum/samuel.html.

[2] ​Columbus, Louis. “McKinsey's State Of Machine Learning And AI, 2017.” ​Forbes​, Forbes
Magazine, 9 July 2017, www.forbes.com/sites/louiscolumbus/2017/07/09/mckinseys-state-of-
machine-learning-and-ai-2017/#f4f281375b64.

[3] ​Dormehl, Luke. “A history of artificial intelligence in 10 landmarks.” ​Digital Trends​, 2 Nov.
2017, www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/history-of-ai-milestones/.

[4] Holzinger, Andreas. “Introduction to MAchine Learning & Knowledge Extraction (MAKE).”
Machine Learning and Knowledge Extraction ​(2017). ​MDPI Open Access Journals.​ Web. 18
January 2018.

[5] ​“ELIZA.” ​Wikipedia​, Wikimedia Foundation, 18 Jan. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ELIZA.

[6] ​“Machine learning.” ​Wikipedia​, Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Jan. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/

wiki/Machine_learning.

[7] ​“Algorithm.” ​Merriam-Webster​, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/

algorithm.

[8] ​“What is Big Data and why it matters.” ​What Is Big Data? | SAS US​, www.sas.com/en_us/
insights/big-data/what-is-big-data.htm

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