Precision justice: An imaginary of data and justice

Area of Science:

• Sociology of technology
• Science and technology studies
• Digital sociology

Background:

• The concept of
• precision justice
• draws parallels to Aldous Huxley's <i>Brave New World</i>, where technology conditions individuals for social roles.
• This sociotechnical imaginary is increasingly prevalent in data-driven decision-making aimed at creating more equitable societies.
• The 1970s 'information society' in the United States saw the convergence of digital information's potential and risks with distributive justice theories.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze the sociotechnical imaginary of
• precision justice
• through the lens of algorithmic grade calculation in the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• To explore the coupling of normative concepts of just distribution with data practices like identification and risk assessment.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the promise and contestation surrounding the use of an algorithmic model for calculating exam grades.
• Examination of the historical development of
• precision justice
• within the context of the 'information society'.

Main Results:

• "Precision justice" is characterized by interventionist action, optimal distribution, and system management, driven by data practices.
• This approach binds individuals to indicators and specific societal roles, rather than a substantive concept of justice.
• The underlying model of the human is reproduced and reinforced by this data-practice-justice union.

Conclusions:

• The current model of
• precision justice
• risks oversimplifying justice by reducing individuals to data points.
• A symmetrical approach is needed, considering justice and data as intertwined epistemic and normative concerns.
• Future efforts should focus on collaboratively defining the kind of societies we aim to build through technology and justice frameworks.