University of Twente Student Theses
‘Do No Harm’ in the Age of Big Data: Exploring the Ethical and Practical Implications of Impact Based Forecasting in Humanitarian Aid
Krūmiņa, Marta (2023) ‘Do No Harm’ in the Age of Big Data: Exploring the Ethical and Practical Implications of Impact Based Forecasting in Humanitarian Aid.
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| Abstract: | This master's thesis explores the transformative role of impact based forecasting (IBF) within the humanitarian aid sector and investigates its alignment with the 'do no harm' principle. Drawing from a case study of typhoon forecasting in the Philippines by 510, an initiative of the Netherlands Red Cross, the study delves into the potential benefits and challenges of implementing IBF in disaster and crisis management. While IBF offers an unprecedented opportunity to predict and respond to emergencies, it also poses significant hurdles, including issues concerning the quality of training data, interpretability of complex algorithms, and ethical considerations around epistemic justice, transparency and accountability. The thesis highlights the need for responsible and ethical implementation of IBF, ensuring alignment with humanitarian principles. Indigenous and local knowledge is proposed as an enriching component to foster resilience, cultural preservation and promote a more holistic approach to managing disaster risks. The study underscores the potential harms of technology-driven responses, stressing the importance of a balanced approach that integrates indigenous and local community values, fosters cultural diversity, and prevents the perpetuation of colonial imbalances. In light of climate change-induced challenges, the research advocates for an inclusive and culturally sensitive paradigm that harmonizes technological advancements and local knowledge systems. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 08 philosophy |
| Programme: | Philosophy of Science, Technology and Society MSc (60024) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/96748 |
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