Parity Measures

Topics

• Observational Measures of Fairness (Parity Measures)

Reading (Required)

• A Moral Framework for Understanding of Fair ML through Economic Models of Equality of Opportunity by Heidari, Gummadi, Loi, Krause Read through the end of section 3 carefully; skim the rest.
• When Does Equality Matter? (pages 1-20) by T. M. Scanlon

Reading (Optional)

• Fair ML Book: Chapter 2 by Boracas, Hardt, and Narayanan
• 21 Definition of Fairness and their Politics by Narayanan
• Fair prediction with disparate impact: A study of bias in recidivism prediction instruments by Alexandra Chouldechova

Reading Responses

From the Heidari piece:

1. Explain the difference bewteen the overall utility, actual utility, and effort-based utility. Give an example to distinguish them.
2. Pick one of Propositions 2,3,4 (read/understand them carefully) and interpret the utility functions that correspond to the parity measure in question. Use an example from outside the reading or lecture to clarify your explanation. (The interpretation given in the paper, after each proposition may be helpful).

From the Scanlon piece:

1. Summarize the main argument of the reading
2. Give a supporting argument the author uses
3. Discuss any objects you may have or subtleties the author must deal with.