Software algorithms get a lot of bad press at the moment. They're accused of forcing us into siloes and echo chambers, of shaping our views and attitudes, and of generally being the earthly manifestation of Lucifer. But that's not the real problem. The problem with software recommendation algorithms is that they don't work very well.… Continue reading Algorithms
Category: Current news
Driverless vehicles
The general consensus seems to be that self-driving cars are inevitable, that the barriers are technical rather than epistemologicical. I suspect that the widespread use of self-driving cars may mark the end of an era of post-war culture and society. A self-driving car that requires no human operators will undoubtedly be safer, more reliable, and… Continue reading Driverless vehicles
Public Holidays
Public holidays in Victoria are a confusing mess. They give people an extra day off (which is nice), but strange and contradictory dates have accreted over the years. While no-one would suggest that we have fewer holidays, perhaps we should reorganise them a bit to make them more reflective of contemporary life in this State.… Continue reading Public Holidays
Fertility fraud; or How to have lots of great grandchildren
A (now deceased) Dutch IVF doctor is presently being accused of having substituted his clients' sperm with his own a large number of times. This has allegedly resulted in 22 children being conceived in the 1980s via imposter sperm, and who were then brought up by men other than their families in the manner of… Continue reading Fertility fraud; or How to have lots of great grandchildren
