CPD in Philosophical and Ethical Issues in Social Data

Overview

This CPD is part of a programme of Continuous Professional Development in the area of Applied Social Data Analysis that the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy will deliver from Spring 2022. Addressing the scarcity of training in data science in Ireland and co-created with key industry partners, the Applied Social Data Analysis CPD programme trains participants in the fundamental knowledge and skills of social data analysis. The programme goes beyond social data analytics to address causal analysis and consider social issues that are important to industries such as inequality, unemployment, climate change and ethics. This CPD will be of interest to individuals who wish to progress their careers through acquiring valuable social data analysis skills that are widely sought after in the private, public and non-profit sectors.

Course Description

Philosophical and Ethical Issues in Social Data examines some of the most pressing ethical issues raised by social data. It introduces participants to key philosophical tools for addressing such problems and will enable participants to identify and respond to new ethical challenges in this area. It will equip participants to identify and reflect on new ethical issues and challenges raised by the use of social data and prepare participants to be able to formulate guidelines for the ethical use of social data.

What topics will you cover?

This CPD on the philosophy and ethics of social data will critically examine the ethical and philosophical issues raised by social data. It will cover topics such as digital identity, data quality and protection, algorithmic fairness and diversity, transparency of data and algorithms, privacy and data protection. It will adopt an interactive approach and the discussion will revolve around concrete case studies and examples.

Who is this course for?

The target learner cohort are participants working in the private sector, for example ITC, finance, banking sectors. Participants should also have access to a laptop with camera and a microphone.

Who teaches the course?

Department of Philosophy, School of Social Sciences and Philosophy, Trinity College Dublin.

How is the course delivered?

The CPD will be delivered in two different modes for two different intakes of students at different times of the year:

1. The CPD will be delivered over 5 consecutive weeks with one 5-hour session each week (1 day X 5 weeks X 5 hours). This will be preceded by 2 hours of preparatory online instruction. Additionally participants will undertake 20 hours of self study over the course of the programme and complete a combination of in-class and 1 take home exercise. One additional week will be included for submitting CPD exercises. In order to be awarded the Certificate of Completion in Philosophical and Ethical Issues in Social Data participants will need to have completed all required CPD exercises.
2. The CPD will be delivered through a week-long, intensive programme (5 days X 5 hours) in Trinity College. This will be preceded by 2 hours preparatory online instruction. Additionally participants will undertake 20 hours self study over the course of the intensive programme and complete a combination of in class and 1 take home exercise. One additional week will be included for submitting CPD exercises. In order to be awarded the Certificate of Completion in Philosophical and Ethical Issues in Social Data participants will need to have completed all required CPD exercises.