Algorithmic Spectre: Philosophical Perspectives on Modern Economics and the Computer

According to a common textbook definition, economics seeks to explain human behaviour by assuming that people behave rationally. Many critics of economics claim that such explanations are deeply flawed, as they presuppose an unrealistically rational ideal of human agency. To address such worries, behavioural economics has advanced an alleged correction to economic theorising, one that relies on findings from psychology in order to revise the dominant neoclassical model of economic agency and rationality. One of the recent attempts to respond to the criticisms is to make economics more empirical by relying on advancements in machine learning and data science.

However, there is an important fact missing in these debates and proposals for a reform of economic research: since its modern development in the mid-20th century economics has largely been influenced by computer technology and research on artificial intelligence.

Course leader

Magdalena Małecka

Target group

Bachelor's level

Fee info

EUR 830: EU/EEA citizens
EUR 1373: NON-EU/EEA citizens

Scholarships

No scholarships available

Register for this course
on course website