MIT Professor Munther Dahleh Explores the Convergence of Data, Systems, and Society in New Book
In an increasingly interconnected world, the challenges we face—from climate change to AI regulation—demand expertise that transcends traditional academic boundaries. Munther Dahleh, a professor at MIT, recognized this need a decade ago, leading to the creation of the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS). Now, Dahleh has authored a book, “Data, Systems, and Society: Harnessing AI for Societal Good,” detailing the vision and process behind this pioneering institute.
Published by Cambridge University Press, the book explores how to foster lasting collaborations between disciplines to address complex societal issues using AI and data science. Dahleh emphasizes the importance of the “triangle”: the interaction of physical systems, people, and policy. Data, he says, acts as a central connector, informing each aspect.
“If you’re tackling a societal problem, it’s very important to understand the impact of your solution on society, on the people, and the role of people in the success of your system,” Dahleh explains. He cautions against solutions that marginalize certain groups, advocating for thoughtful consideration of the interplay between technology and society.
The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a prime example, illustrating the triangle in action: the biology of the virus, social behavior and contagion, and policy decisions made by leaders. The IDSS played a crucial role during the pandemic, providing a convening place for experts from diverse fields to collaborate on solutions.
Dahleh also addresses the ethical considerations of AI, particularly in areas like self-driving cars, where programming decisions can have unintended economic and humanitarian consequences. He distinguishes between transdisciplinary research, which creates lasting structures for collaboration, and typical cross- or interdisciplinary efforts.
IDSS aims to create a culture where students consider all components of the “triangle” simultaneously. Its doctoral program requires core courses in statistics, optimization theory, computation, social sciences, and humanities.
Dahleh, who stepped down from leading IDSS two years ago, hopes his book will serve as a historical record of the institute’s creation and the thinking behind it, providing guidance for those seeking to address societal challenges through integrated, multidisciplinary approaches. He emphasizes that the book is intended to offer insights into “how all of this came together, in hindsight,” aiming for clarity and simplicity in its explanation.
