Artificial intelligence’s influence raises many ethical problems

by Tahir Abbas | 09/10/2019

 In 1942, Isaac Asimov formulated the Three Laws of Robotics. First, a robot must not harm a human being. Second, a robot must obey the orders that a human gives it. Third, a robot may protect its own existence, so long as this protection does not conflict with the first and second laws. Let us analyze how these laws apply to the current situation, when big data and artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly prevalent and their misuse is gaining momentum.  

Views on the News: Amazon fire

  | 09/03/2019

Following catastrophic damage to the Amazon rainforest caused by an ongoing series of fires, the Brazillian government rejected $20 million pledged by the international community at the G7 Summit, alleging imperialistic ulterior motives on the part of French President Emmanuel Macron. However, Bolsonaro’s administration later stated that they would accept the aid, on the condition that the French President Emmanuel Macron apologize for his comments regarding Bolsonaro’s behavior and what appeared to be a disrespectful potshot at Macron’s wife. Furthermore, numerous environmental scientists and indigenous people have alleged that the cattle industry is starting the fires to clear land with Bolsonaro’s support, raising questions as to whether the President even cares about the rainforest and the people and wildlife living within it. Faced with this cataclysmic destruction, how should we view Brazil’s delayed response and this political back-and-forth between world leaders? What do you think these actions mean for the rainforest, and how might they affect global conservation and environmental protection movements? 

Cautious optimism on University promises

by The Justice Editorial Board | 09/03/2019

 Brandeis’ tradition of student protest continued last May when a group of #StillConcerned students—a callback to the Concerned Students 2015 group which led the Ford Hall sit-in—held a protest on the Rabb Steps, per a May 20, 2019 Justice article. These students argued that concerns relating to race on campus in 2015 had not been sufficiently addressed. Among other demands, they expressed a desire for collaboration between activists and offices such as Public Safety, the Department of Community Living, Escort Safety Services and the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, saying they “operate as policing forces that disproportionately impact the on-campus experiences” of marginalized students. 

Sensationalist ICE analogies are insensitive but defensible

by Leon Kraiem | 09/03/2019

 I spent a number of days this summer at protests — often branded “actions” — led often, but not always, by Jewish people, in response to the human rights abuses currently being committed by ICE and Customs and Border Patrol against immigrants and asylum seekers in detention facilities along our nation’s southern border. All of these demonstrations involved analogies to the Holocuast — usually centered around the expression “Never Again.” There’s been much discussion in Jewish circles about this analogy ever since it was seized on by the activist collective #NeverAgainAction earlier this year. I think it’s worth sorting through it.  

Greenland purchase tantrum reveals Trump’s cynical worldview

by Trevor Filseth | 09/03/2019

 By now, you might think that you’ve heard all possible  adjectives used to describe President Donald Trump’s foreign policy. Here’s a new one: amoral. 

Round two, night two: Democratic candidates continue to fight for memorable moments

by Mehmet Zorluoglu | 08/05/2019

As with the first night, I will grade how much the candidates’ performances contributed to their campaigns. 

Democratic debates round two: night one's recap and rankings

by Mehmet Zorluoglu | 08/03/2019

Continuing the series on candidate debate performance grades and analysis, I will provide my input as to how much the candidates contributed to their campaigns on the first night. 

Democratic debate reflection: each candidate's performance, graded

by Mehmet Zorluoglu | 07/08/2019

 With the first democratic primary debates behind us, each candidate will be pressing to spin their performance favorably, no matter how middling, lackluster or even self-evidently superb their performance may have been. Now that the campaign is underway and candidates are being scrutinized by voters and moderators alike, I will be sharing my own post-debate takeaways. The ranking system is based on who did the most to improve their chances and — especially for the lesser known candidates — get their name out. 

After 70 years, the Justice remains a ‘scolding conscience’

by Martin Lieberman ’96 | 05/31/2019

Reader Commentary: 4/16 Student Union Editorial

  | 05/20/2019

  Dear Justice editorial board, In response to your 04/16 editorial criticizing the Student Union, I’m writing to point out some things the press has not reported on:

Interfaith dialogue needed

by Javaid Iqbal | 05/20/2019

 As someone who grew up in Kashmir, a politically fraught place, and being continuously and unnecessarily frisked and stopped by authorities has been unwelcome but unsurprising. But this time, after living in Boston for a few weeks and experiencing constant stares, I was truly learning how “otherness” works in American social, political and religious contexts.   

Workplace bullying is corrupting politics

by Noaem Shurin | 05/20/2019

 Instances of workplace bullying and harassment are on the rise. Grown adults are currently bullying other grown adults in their very adult workplaces. This occurs so often that one in every three workers in Massachusetts will experience some form of workplace bullying.  

Reader Commentary: Kennedy III Article

  | 05/20/2019

 I am puzzled as to why Ellie Eiger (Brandeis ‘20) and Congressman Kennedy in a recent article (“Congressman discusses US-Israel Relationship”) believe that the citizens of Gaza should vote in Israeli elections? 

Views on the News: Commencement 2019

  | 05/20/2019

 Congratulations to the Class of 2019! Looking back at your college experience, and your senior year specifically, what experiences and people stand out to you the most? In the course of your Brandeis experience, what moments will you look back on most fondly?