A View of Equality, Inclusion, and Diversity, Based on Engineering Optimization Principles

Wednesday, February 20, 2019, 1:302:15 p.m.

George Thomas, Ph.D., Engineering and Computer Science

Engineering optimization principles provide mathematically sound strategies for allocation of resources to different entities based on a suitable overall criterion for performance. It turns out that these abstract models can be interpreted in useful ways in socio-economic contexts, leading to interesting insights into how we perceive equality, inclusion, diversity, and similar issues. For example, should wealth be divided equally (socialism) or in proportion to one’s potential
for productivity (capitalism)? If the latter, what is an optimal way to allocate wealth? Interesting conclusions can be drawn from some well-known engineering optimization principles. The presentation is accessible to all and no mathematics or engineering background is assumed.

Location

Classrooms (DUKE), 123
701 E. Foothill Blvd.
Azusa, CA 91702
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