1 Incorporating Inclusivity through Boolean Logic and Conditionals
Social and ethical implications of Boolean logic & Conditional Statements in technology
Sana Sarin and Rutwa Engineer
Learning Objectives
- Understand basic Boolean operations such as AND, OR, NOT
- Understand the basic conditional statements
- Analyze the Social and Ethical Implications of Boolean logic and conditionals
- Appreciate the relevance of Boolean logic across different contexts
- Analyze Equity and Justice through introductory computer science concepts
Introduction
This module will aim to teach you the fundamentals of Boolean logic while integrating critical and inclusive pedagogies. You will explore Boolean operations through culturally relevant examples and consider the social impacts and ethical considerations of Boolean logic in technology.
But Why?
Integrating critical and inclusive pedagogies with technology, particularly with fundamental concepts like Boolean logic, will help you understand not only the technical aspects but also the broader implications of your work. This module will enable you to develop a more holistic understanding of technology, as well as encourage critical thinking, foster inclusivity, and highlight the importance of considering diverse perspectives in technological development.
Boolean Logic
Boolean Variables:
True (1) or False (0)
Boolean Operations:
- AND (conjunction): True if both operands are true.
- OR (disjunction): True if at least one operand is true.
- NOT (negation): Inverts the value of the operand.
Truth Tables
| A | B | A AND B | A OR B | NOT A |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
The AND operation results in True (1) only if both operands A and B are True (1)
The OR operation results in True (1) if at least one of the operands A or B is True (1)
The NOT operation inverts the value of the operand. If A is True (1), NOT A is False (0), and vice versa
Venn Diagrams
Both Terms (and) Either Terms (or) Only One Term (not)
Conditional Statements
Definition: Conditional statements are programming constructs that allow you to execute specific code only if a particular condition is true.
Purpose: They enable decision-making in programs, allowing for different outcomes based on different inputs.
Key Concepts:
Key Concepts:
- Condition: An expression that evaluates to either true or false
- If Statement: Executes a block of code if the condition is true
- Else Statement: Executes a block of code if the condition is false
- Else If Statement: Tests additional conditions if the initial condition is false
For example:
if condition: # code to execute if condition is true
elif another_condition: # code to execute if another_condition is true
else: # code to execute if none of the conditions are true
Ethical and Social Impacts
A content moderation system uses the following Boolean/Conditionals logic to filter comments: IF (comment contains hate speech) OR (comment contains spam) ELSE (block comment)
Please discuss the following with students around you:
- Ethical and Social Consideration: What are the potential biases in this logic? How might this system inadvertently block legitimate comments?
Ethical Implications in Decision-Making
Example: An algorithm deciding loan approvals might use a condition that unfairly disadvantages certain groups
Statement:
if credit_score >= 700:
approve_loan()
else:
reject_loan()
Critical Question to discuss with students around you: How can we ensure fairness and avoid biases in such conditions? What are the gaps in this logic?
Activity
Exercise
Formulate a case study on how Boolean and Conditionals logic is used in search engines to filter content. Discuss how biased algorithms can affect search results.
For instance, how might a search for immigration AND crime versus immigration OR crime show different biases?
Discuss the ethical implications of biased search algorithms.
- How do search algorithms shape our access to information and reinforce biases?
Boolean Logic in a real-world context
Topic: Disaster Alert Systems
Question: Discuss how Boolean logic could be used in a disaster alert system for monsoon flooding. For example, create a Boolean logic statement to trigger alerts. You can use >, <, >=, <=, and, or to fill in the blanks.
Discuss the importance of accurate data and timely alerts in saving lives and property, and the ethical implications of data accuracy and access.
Equity and Justice
Case Study: A financial institution uses an algorithm to determine loan approvals. The algorithm uses criteria such as credit score, employment status, and income level.
Boolean Statement Examples
- IF (credit_score >= 700 AND employment_status == “full-time” AND income >= $50,000) ELSE (approve_loan)
- IF (credit_score < 600 OR employment_status == “unemployed” OR income < $30,000) ELSE (deny_loan)
Activity: Choose from the Following
Objective: Use conditional statements to create an inclusive application that provides resources based on access levels
Instructions: Choose the correct condition for each scenario to ensure inclusivity
