The careless use of language in quantum information

TL;DR

This paper critically examines how certain terminology in quantum information science, such as 'ancilla qubit' and 'quantum supremacy', may inadvertently reinforce social inequalities and hierarchical language.

Contribution

It highlights the social implications of scientific language in quantum information and calls for more mindful terminology to promote inclusivity.

Findings

Identification of problematic terms in quantum information

Discussion on social implications of scientific language

Call for more inclusive scientific terminology

Abstract

An imperative aspect of modern science is that scientific institutions act for the benefit of a common scientific enterprise, rather than for the personal gain of individuals within them. This implies that science should not perpetuate existing or historical unequal social orders. Some scientific terminology, though, gives a very different impression. I will give two examples of terminology invented recently for the field of quantum information which use language associated with subordination, slavery, and racial segregation: 'ancilla qubit' and 'quantum supremacy'.