Abstract

This chapter introduces the rationale for the book. It explains why Big Data is one of the most prominent challenges of our time, with far-reaching implications for society and security. It sets out why the tension, and interaction, between innovation and ethics is at the forefront of the various challenges of Big Data. It clarifies the division of the book into Part I, ‘Between Mathematics and Philosophy’, and Part II on ‘Implications for Security’. Each chapter is also briefly introduced to the reader.