Weapons of Math Destruction

In 'Weapons of Math Destruction,' Cathy O'Neil unveils the dark side of algorithms and their pervasive influence on society. She argues that these mathematical models, often seen as objective and impartial, can perpetuate inequality and harm millions of lives. O'Neil sheds light on how data-driven decisions in education, finance, and criminal justice can create vicious cycles of disadvantage. The book challenges readers to question the underlying motives of the systems that govern our lives. Will you uncover the hidden power of algorithms and their impact on justice and fairness?

By Cathy O'Neil

Published: 2016

"Algorithms are opinions embedded in code, wielding the power to shape our lives without accountability."

Weapons of Math DestructionBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

"A former Wall Street quantitative analyst sounds an alarm on mathematical modeling, a pervasive new force in society that threatens to undermine democracy and widen inequality,"--NoveList.

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from Weapons of Math Destruction

About the Author

C

Cathy O'Neil

Cathy O'Neill is a prominent mathematician, data scientist, and author known for her critical examination of algorithms and their societal impact. She is the author of the influential book Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy, published in 2016, where she explores how opaque algorithms can perpetuate injustice and inequality. O'Neill writes in a clear, accessible style, combining rigorous analysis with compelling examples, making complex mathematical concepts understandable to a broad audience. In addition to her work as an author, she is the founder of the consulting firm ORCAA, which focuses on ethical algorithm design. O'Neill's thought-provoking insights have established her as a leading voice in the discussions surrounding data ethics and the implications of AI in modern society.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Cathy O'Neil
Published
January 2016
Publisher
Crown Publishing Group (NY)
ISBN
0553418815
Language
English
Pages
274
Genres
Social Justice MovementsPolitical PhilosophyBehavioral FinanceTechnologyPolitics and Current Affairs

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

Hard DriveBook binding

Hard Drive

James Wallace, Jim Erickson

Don't Shoot the DogBook binding

Don't Shoot the Dog

Karen Pryor

The Great ConvergenceBook binding

The Great Convergence

Richard Baldwin

CodeBook binding

Code

Charles Petzold

Orwell's RevengeBook binding

Orwell's Revenge

Peter Huber

What Technology WantsBook binding

What Technology Wants

Kevin Kelly

Alone Against the NorthBook binding

Alone Against the North

Adam Shoalts

Tools and WeaponsBook binding

Tools and Weapons

Brad Smith, Carol Ann Browne

FarmageddonBook binding

Farmageddon

Philip Lymbery, Isabel Oakeshott

Design for HackersBook binding

Design for Hackers

David Kadavy

Beyond the PrototypeBook binding

Beyond the Prototype

Douglas Ferguson

Permanent RecordBook binding

Permanent Record

Edward Snowden

Affective ComputingBook binding

Affective Computing

Rosalind W. Picard

How to be a Movie StarBook binding

How to be a Movie Star

William J. Mann

EmergenceBook binding

Emergence

Steven Johnson

On ChinaBook binding

On China

Henry Kissinger

Whole Earth DisciplineBook binding

Whole Earth Discipline

Stewart Brand

A Message to GarciaBook binding

A Message to Garcia

Elbert Hubbard

Fighting PowerBook binding

Fighting Power

Martin Van Creveld

How The Mighty FallBook binding

How The Mighty Fall

Jim Collins

Thank You for Being LateBook binding

Thank You for Being Late

Thomas L. Friedman

Branded Customer ServiceBook binding

Branded Customer Service

Janelle Barlow, Paul Stewart

Ghetto at the Center of the WorldBook binding

Ghetto at the Center of the World

Gordon Mathews

Average is OverBook binding

Average is Over

Tyler Cowen

The Seventh SenseBook binding

The Seventh Sense

Joshua Cooper Ramo

Brave New WarBook binding

Brave New War

John Robb

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Marc Andreessen's Book Recommendations

Marc Andreessen's Book Recommendations

Marc Andreessen is an American entrepreneur, software engineer, and venture capitalist, best known for co-creating the Mosaic web browser, the first widely-used web browser, and co-founding Netscape. Andreessen is also the co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz, one of Silicon Valley’s most prominent venture capital firms, where he invests in groundbreaking technology companies like Facebook, Airbnb, and Coinbase. He is a thought leader on the impact of technology and innovation, often sharing his views on the future of the internet and startups. His contributions to the development of the web and the tech ecosystem have made him one of the most influential figures in technology.

View Collection
Ray Dalio's Book Recommendations

Ray Dalio's Book Recommendations

Ray Dalio is the founder of Bridgewater Associates, one of the largest and most successful hedge funds in the world. He is also the author of the bestselling book Principles, where he outlines his philosophy on life, leadership, and investing. Ray is renowned for his unique approach to transparency, radical truth, and thoughtful disagreement within organizations. His insights into economics and investing have made him one of the most influential figures in the financial world. Dalio continues to be a thought leader in business, economics, and philanthropy.

View Collection
Patrick Collison's Book Recommendations

Patrick Collison's Book Recommendations

Patrick Collison is an Irish entrepreneur and co-founder of Stripe, a global technology company that enables businesses to accept online payments. Along with his brother John, Patrick has transformed Stripe into one of the most valuable private tech companies in the world. Stripe’s innovative approach to online payments has made it a key player in the financial technology space. Collison is known for his deep interest in science, technology, and policy, often engaging in conversations about innovation, progress, and how to improve societal outcomes. He is an advocate for scientific advancement and the intersection of technology and public policy.

View Collection
Aaron Levie's Book Recommendations

Aaron Levie's Book Recommendations

Aaron Levie is the co-founder and CEO of Box, a cloud content management platform that revolutionized how businesses manage and collaborate on content. He launched Box in 2005 while still a college student, and the company rapidly grew into a leader in the cloud storage industry. Levie is known for his innovative, forward-thinking approach to enterprise software and for pushing the boundaries of digital transformation. Under his leadership, Box went public in 2015 and continues to evolve with new technologies and partnerships. He is a strong advocate for cloud-first business strategies and frequently shares his insights on the future of work and the digital workplace. Levie is also a prolific speaker and writer, often discussing technology's role in the modern economy. His energetic and witty personality has made him a popular figure in Silicon Valley and beyond.

View Collection
Nassim Nicholas Taleb's Book Recommendations

Nassim Nicholas Taleb's Book Recommendations

Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a Lebanese-American author, scholar, and risk analyst, best known for his work on uncertainty, probability, and risk. His books, including The Black Swan and Antifragile, explore how rare and unpredictable events shape the world and how individuals and systems can become more resilient to shocks. Taleb’s insights on risk management have influenced fields ranging from finance to medicine, and he is known for his outspoken criticism of conventional wisdom. His ideas about randomness, decision-making, and the limitations of human knowledge have made him a leading thinker in modern economics and philosophy.

View Collection
Nat Eliason's Book Recommendations

Nat Eliason's Book Recommendations

Nat Eliason is an influential writer, entrepreneur, and educator known for his insightful work on personal growth, productivity, and digital marketing. He founded Growth Machine, a successful SEO and content marketing agency that has helped numerous companies expand their online presence. Eliason's thought-provoking articles on his blog cover a wide range of topics, from philosophy to health, attracting a large and engaged audience. Additionally, he authored "Effortless Output with Roam," a comprehensive guide on using the Roam Research tool for knowledge management. Through his diverse contributions, Eliason has established himself as a significant voice in the realms of self-improvement and digital strategy.

View Collection
Elon Musk's Book Recommendations

Elon Musk's Book Recommendations

Elon Musk is an influential entrepreneur and innovator known for founding and leading several groundbreaking companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. He has played a pivotal role in advancing electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy. Musk's vision extends to colonizing Mars and reducing the risk of human extinction through space travel. In addition to his technological contributions, he has co-authored the book "Spacex: Making Commercial Spaceflight a Reality," providing insights into his ambitious projects and vision for the future. Musk's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the trajectory of multiple industries.

View Collection
Eric Weinstein's Book Recommendations

Eric Weinstein's Book Recommendations

Eric Weinstein is an accomplished American mathematician, economist, and writer, known for his influential work in the fields of geometric unity and economic theory. As the Managing Director of Thiel Capital, he has significantly impacted the financial and technological sectors. Weinstein is also renowned for his thought-provoking discussions on the podcast "The Portal," where he explores complex scientific and social issues. He has written extensively on a variety of topics, contributing to both academic and popular literature. His unique perspectives and interdisciplinary approach have earned him recognition as a leading intellectual voice of his generation.

View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.

View Collection
Sam Altman's Book Recommendations

Sam Altman's Book Recommendations

Sam Altman is an American entrepreneur, programmer, and investor, best known as the former president of Y Combinator, a startup accelerator that has launched numerous successful companies, including Airbnb, Dropbox, and Reddit. Altman himself is a co-founder of OpenAI, an organization focused on ensuring that artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. He has been a leading voice in the tech world, advocating for responsible innovation and the ethical use of AI. Under his leadership, Y Combinator grew into one of the most influential organizations in Silicon Valley, helping to fund and mentor early-stage startups. Altman’s blog and writings are widely read in the tech community, where he shares his insights on entrepreneurship, technology, and the future of AI. He has also been involved in several philanthropic ventures and continues to influence the tech world through his investments and thought leadership. His work at OpenAI has put him at the forefront of discussions about the future of artificial intelligence.

View Collection
Brian Armstrong's Book Recommendations

Brian Armstrong's Book Recommendations

Brian Armstrong is a renowned entrepreneur and author best known for co-founding and leading Coinbase, a major cryptocurrency exchange. His literary contributions include insightful writings on the future of digital currencies and blockchain technology. Armstrong's work has been pivotal in demystifying complex financial systems for a broader audience. Beyond his business acumen, his thought leadership in publications and public speaking engagements has cemented his status as a key voice in the fintech revolution. His dedication to innovation continues to influence the trajectory of global financial systems.

View Collection
Mark Manson's Book Recommendations

Mark Manson's Book Recommendations

Mark Manson is a best-selling author and personal development expert known for his candid and no-nonsense approach to self-help. His most notable work, "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck," has sold millions of copies worldwide and has been translated into numerous languages, resonating with readers for its practical advice and irreverent tone. Manson followed up with another successful book, "Everything Is F*cked: A Book About Hope," which further cemented his reputation as a thought leader in modern existentialism. In addition to his books, he runs a popular blog that delves into topics ranging from happiness to personal growth. His work has not only transformed the self-help genre but also influenced a global audience seeking authentic and actionable guidance.

View Collection
Earthling Ed's Book Recommendations

Earthling Ed's Book Recommendations

Earthling Ed, whose real name is Ed Winters, is a prominent British animal rights activist, author, and public speaker. Known for his compelling advocacy, he co-founded Surge, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending animal exploitation. Ed's literary contributions include his influential book "This is Vegan Propaganda: (And Other Lies the Meat Industry Tells You)," which challenges the ethics of animal agriculture and promotes veganism. He is also known for his educational outreach, engaging in debates and discussions to raise awareness about animal rights. Through his work, Earthling Ed has become a leading voice in the global vegan movement.

View Collection
Ev Williams's Book Recommendations

Ev Williams's Book Recommendations

Ev Williams is an American entrepreneur, best known as the co-founder of Twitter and Medium. Williams has a long history in the tech industry, having co-founded Blogger, one of the first blogging platforms, which was later acquired by Google. His work has significantly shaped online communication, giving people platforms to share their thoughts and ideas globally. Williams’ focus on simplicity and user experience has been a hallmark of his career. He continues to lead Medium, a platform that champions quality content and thoughtful discourse.

View Collection
Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations

Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations

Arianna Huffington is the founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, a company focused on wellness and productivity. She is a bestselling author and prominent speaker on the importance of sleep and managing stress. Arianna’s work emphasizes the importance of balance between professional success and personal well-being. Her book The Sleep Revolution has inspired a global movement to prioritize rest. She is considered one of the most influential women in media and business.

View Collection

Algorithms are opinions embedded in code, wielding the power to shape our lives without accountability.

Weapons of Math Destruction

By Cathy O'Neil

Frequently Asked Questions