Algorithmic accountability and public reason

Reuben Binns

pp. 543-556

in: Marcello D'agostino, Massimo Durante (eds), The governance of algorithms, Philosophy & Technology 31 (4), 2018.

Abstract

The ever-increasing application of algorithms to decision-making in a range of social contexts has prompted demands for algorithmic accountability. Accountable decision-makers must provide their decision-subjects with justifications for their automated system's outputs, but what kinds of broader principles should we expect such justifications to appeal to? Drawing from political philosophy, I present an account of algorithmic accountability in terms of the democratic ideal of "public reason". I argue that situating demands for algorithmic accountability within this justificatory framework enables us to better articulate their purpose and assess the adequacy of efforts toward them.