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You asked

where are the ethical boundaries when machines make decisions about people?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Deuteronomy 16:18-20

You shall appoint judges and officers in all your gates, which Yahweh your God gives you, tribe by tribe; and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality. You shall not take a bribe; for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise, and perverts the words of the righteous. You shall follow that which is altogether just, that you may live, and inherit the land which Yahweh your God gives you.

This passage is from the book of Deuteronomy, a collection of Moses' final speeches to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the promised land. He is reminding them of the laws and covenant they are to live by, establishing foundational principles for their society, including how justice should be administered.

What does 'altogether just' mean when applied to complex decisions and the systems we create?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Proverbs 24:23-25

    This passage warns against partiality in judgment, reinforcing the need for impartial decision-making.

  • Micah 6:8

    This verse summarizes God's requirement for humanity: to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly.

  • James 2:1-4

    The New Testament also condemns partiality, particularly towards the rich, affirming the importance of treating all people equally.

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