Rainbow, Billiards, and Neng: A Conversation with Meriel on Algorithms, Bias, and the Chief Humanity Officer
Abstract
This document records a philosophical and technical dialogue between Go Kian Tik and Meriel B., an AI Ethics Researcher, on the nature of algorithmic bias, epistemic blindness, and the observer effect in social media feeds. Triggered by Meriel's sharing of the Lucy Ferguson experiment on gender bias, the conversation unfolds into deeper questions: "How do we know what we don't see?" and "Does our interaction with algorithms change future outcomes?" This paper presents Koko's complete answer, which synthesizes three metaphors into a unified framework: the Rainbow Spectrum of Opportunity (what is visible versus what exists), the Billiard Probability Table (the chaotic, probabilistic nature of algorithmic outcomes), and the Taoist concept of Neng (能) from the 12 Principles of Tao Zhu Gong (the human capacity to choose, act, and determine). These three are integrated into the Grand Formula: (Consciousness × Calculation)^Humanity < Transcendence, demonstrating how a Chief Humanity Officer thinks not in linear answers but in integrated possibilities. The paper concludes by linking this trinity to the concept of Sovereignty (Zi Zhu Zhe / 自主者) — the one who leads oneself by integrating awareness, probability-reading, and decisive action.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Ethics and Social Impacts of AI
Innovation
Sustainability
Human-Machine Systems
Psychology of Moral and Emotional Judgment
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
- Publication date
- 12 March 2026