Sydney Taylor
February 4, 2020
In order for the human race to reach its full potential, the capabilities of the individual must be enhanced and opportunities have to be accessible to all.
Salim Jahan, the director of the Human Development Report Office, describes human development as the intertwining of economic, social and political processes that further develop human life. Jahan emphasizes the approaches that scientists must take when discovering more about the world around them. Similarly, Jahan's definition of the term is similarly discussed by fellow data scientist, Hans Rosling. Rosling discusses the misunderstandings of the world that can develop through misconceptions of big data.
Jahan's approach to human development takes data science even further, as more than just big data. Data science has the power to develop human beings and bring the world together as a whole. Throughout his podcast, he instructs his audience to focus on the flow of income itself. He also describes human development as a holistic process. In order to better the human race, it is essential that people work together. It is more than just research development but about active participants who are dedicated to developing others.
In the podcast, Jahan also discusses the importance of the Human Development Index. This index contains information about every country in the world. It collects big data on the birth measures, mortality rates and the standards of living. Jahan explaisn the index as the "crown jewel" of human development and a key element to fully understanding the world. This information captures the essence of how close the world really is. There are many misconceptions about the world, by dividing countries by their development. But in the end, many countries have similar traits that can help scientists further understand social issues like poverty or gender issues.
In Rosling's Ted Talk, "The best stats you have ever seen," he discusses the misunderstandings of world development. In the beginning of his video, he explained that even the brightest scientists have biases. In a personally conducted survey, Rosling found that preconceived ideas of the world has affected their understanding of developing countries. This includes mortality rates and social change. He also used numerous graphs and visuals to explain the relationship between a country's health and economic wealth. The ability for a country to provide for its citizens, allows it to improve economically. He also mentions the dangers of generalizing developing countries. Describing a single country as poor, middle class or rich does not perfectly represent the country. There are often variations that are important to understand when creating and analyzing big data. Eventually, this will further human development for the better.