Can we create a database of everyone in history using the sources we have today? Tim Phillips talk to the authors of two projects which set out to do just that through combining sources such as Wikipedia and Wikidata with machine learning. What do these databases tell us about who we consider to be important?
The two papers discussed are:
Bhargava, J, Eyméoud, J-P, Gergaud, O, Laouenan, M, Plique, G and Wasmer, E. 2021. 'A Cross-verified Database of Notable People, 3500BC-2018AD'. London, Centre for Economic Policy Research. https://cepr.org/active/publications/discussion_papers/dp.php?dpno=15852
Nekoei, A and Sinn, F. 2021. 'Human Biographical Record (HBR)'. London, Centre for Economic Policy Research. https://cepr.org/active/publications/discussion_papers/dp.php?dpno=15825
