Constituting variables in Causal AI

Constituting variables in Causal AI

To be made tractable for scientific investigation, the variation that exists in nature – or could be generated through particular manipulations – has to be turned into a variable. In this seminar, I will examine how variables are constituted and enter into a varipraxis: the way in which particular forms of variation are conceptualised, related, used and interpreted in a research endeavour.

I explore the constitution of variables using the field of Causal AI, as it involves:

1. explicit modelling of variables and their relationships;

2. a focus on causally modelling data practices in a given domain;

3. heterogeneity in the kinds, origins and roles of variables; and

4. novel encounters with biological or translational research endeavours and associated datasets that engenders a variety of ways in which existing variables are engaged with.

I will argue that examining how research enterprises constitute variables can affect how a research enterprise can change over time, and the extent to which it may be able to fulfil its translational aims.

Venue: Byrne House, University of Exeter (spaces limited)

Virtual: via Zoom

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