[tdeck]

I think what OP meant is "if the algorithm were designed (or perhaps implemented) in the 1700s according to standards of fairness held by those in power at that time, then it might have treated African Americans unfairly (despite being an algorithm)". I'm not a mind reader but that seems to make some sense given the context of the discussion.

[jarcane]

You don't have to go back to the 1700s to find African Americans being treated poorly by the judicial system.

It's a weird shifting of the sands that isn't necessary to the conversation, when the context is a subject that is causing real harm now.

[nickthemagicman]

That supports my point even more.

If certain groups of people are being treated poorly in modern times then an algorithm that sentences people would possibly include that bias as well.

Is that statement offensive to you?

[masklinn]

> If certain groups of people are being treated poorly in modern times then an algorithm that sentences people would possibly include that bias as well.

I’d even change the word “would” to “will” as that has already occurred time and again.

I think you two are violently agreeing with one another, but misunderstanding one another as well.