A Mini-seminar: Teaching Ethics in Mathematics in an Hour a Week

Abstract

This article describes a one-credit class on ethics in mathematics, which met once a week for an hour and discussed topics in cryptography, algorithms, and big data, and the role of mathematics in public life. I offer anecdotal evidence that even a course with relatively little time commitment for both students and faculty can have a significant impact on students’ understanding of and interest in ethics in mathematics. I also collect recommendations and resources in the hopes of encouraging others to consider teaching such a course.