Algorithms, Agency, and Respect for Persons

Abstract

Algorithmic systems play an increasingly important role in modern life. Much of the scholarship on the moral ramifications of such systems focuses on bias and harm. We argue that understanding the moral salience of algorithmic systems requires understanding the relation between algorithms, autonomy, and agency. We use recent cases in criminal sentencing and K-12 teacher evaluation to outline four key ways in which issues of agency, autonomy, and respect for persons can conflict with algorithmic decisionmaking. Three involve failures to treat individuals with sufficient respect. The fourth involves distancing oneself from morally suspect actions by laundering one’s agency.