Weapons of Math Destruction

by O'neil, Cathy

• ISBN13: 9780553418835
• ISBN10: 0553418831
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780553418828
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780553418811
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2017-09-05
• Publisher: Crown
• More Book Details

Summary

About This Book

Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy by Cathy O'Neil is a thought-provoking book that delves into the darker side of big data and its impact on society. Published in 2017, this New York Times bestseller has become a significant resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of data-driven models and their potential to exacerbate social inequalities.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and professionals in fields related to data science, economics, sociology, and computer science. It is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in the ethical implications of big data and its role in shaping our society. Educators and policymakers can benefit from O'Neil's insights into how mathematical models can be used both positively and negatively.

History and Editions

The book has been around for about five years, offering a timely perspective on the rapid evolution of big data technologies. The author, Cathy O'Neil, a former Wall Street quant, brings a unique perspective to the topic. She earned her Ph.D. in mathematics from Harvard and has extensive experience in data science, having worked at D. E. Shaw and various start-ups. O'Neil's work is not limited to this book; she is also the author of *Doing Data Science* and a columnist for *Bloomberg View*.

Author and Other Works

Cathy O'Neil is a renowned data scientist and author. Her blog, mathbabe.org, showcases her expertise and commitment to making complex data concepts accessible to a broader audience. In addition to *Weapons of Math Destruction*, she has written *Doing Data Science*, which provides practical guidance on data science projects. Her work is characterized by a deep understanding of mathematical models and their real-world applications.

Key Features

• Critical Analysis of Big Data: The book offers a critical examination of how big data models can perpetuate inequality and undermine democracy.
• Real-World Examples: O'Neil uses real-world examples to illustrate the potential dangers of relying solely on mathematical models without considering their broader social implications.
• Accessible Writing Style: Despite the complex subject matter, O'Neil's writing is clear and engaging, making the book accessible to readers without a technical background in data science.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• 9780553418835: Hardcover edition published by Crown Publishing on September 5, 2017.
• 9780553418828: Paperback edition published by Crown Publishing on September 6, 2016.
• 9780735286511: Audiobook edition published by Crown Publishing on September 6, 2016.

Publication Details

• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group
• Publication Date: September 5, 2017
• Number of Pages: 288
• Language: English
• Dimensions: 5.10 x 7.90 x 0.70 inches

Other Editions and Formats

• Audiobook: Available for download from various platforms.
• Used Copies: Available from retailers like AbeBooks and Better World Books in good to fair condition.

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for *Weapons of Math Destruction*, making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Author Biography

Cathy O'Neil is a data scientist and author of the blog mathbabe.org. She earned a Ph.D. in mathematics from Harvard and taught at Barnard College before moving to the private sector, where she worked for the hedge fund D. E. Shaw. She then worked as a data scientist at various start-ups, building models that predict people’s purchases and clicks. O’Neil started the Lede Program in Data Journalism at Columbia and is the author of Doing Data Science. She is currently a columnist for Bloomberg View.