Computer Ethics - A Brief Introduction, Study Guides, Projects, Research of Ethics

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Computer Ethics

A Necessarily Brief Introduction

Ethics

Each society establishes rules and limits on accaptable behaviour These rules form a moral code Sometimes the rules conflict In general they are beliefs or conventions on good and evil, good or bad conduct, justice and injustice The rules sometimes do not cover new situations

The world is changing

Introduction In the industrialized world computers are changing everything: from education to health, from voting to making friends or making war. Developing countries can also fully participate in cyberspace and make use of opportunities offered by global networks. We are living a technological and informational revolution. It is therefore important for policy makers, leaders, teachers, computer professionals and all social thinkers to get involved in the social and ethical impacts of this communication technology.

Computer ethics: definition

Same as cyberethics, or The study of ethical issues that are associated primarily with computing machines and the computing profession. The field of applied professional ethics dealing with ethical problems aggravated, transformed, or created by computer technology (1970, Maner)

Computer Ethics: Some historical milestones 1940-1950: Founded by MIT prof Norbert Wiener: cybernetics-science of information feedback systems. 1960s: Donn Parker from California examined unethical and illegal uses of computers by professionals. 1 st code of professional conduct for the ACM. 1970: Joseph Weizenbaum, prof at MIT, created Eliza. Mid 1970: Walter Maner taught 1 st course and starter kit in computer ethics.

Computer ethics history (cont. 2)

1990: Interest in computer ethics as a field of research had spread to Europe and Australia. Simon Rogerson of De Montfort University (UK) Terrell Bynum, editor of Metaphilosophy (USA), initiated international conferences. Mid 90s: Beginning of a 2 nd generation of computer ethics with more practical action. 2004: Interest spreads to Cotonou, Benin

Any unique moral issues?

Deborah Johnson: Ethics on-line.

The scope of the Internet is global and interactive. The Internet enables users to interact with anonymity. Internet technology makes the reproducibility of information possible in ways not possible before. The above features make behavior on-line morally different than off-line.

Sample topics in computer ethics

Computers in the workplace: a threat to jobs? De-skilling? Health and safety? Computer security: Viruses. Spying by hackers. Logical security: Privacy, integrity, unimpaired service, consistency, controlling access to resources. Software ownership: Intellectual property vs. open source. Software development: quality, safety

Computers in the workplace

Monitoring of employees: employer vs. employee point of view. Loyalty- Whistle blowing. Health issues. Use of contingent workers. A threat to jobs. De-skilling.

Logical security

Privacy invasion of email, files, and own computer (cookies). Shared databases. Identity theft. Combating terrorism: USA Patriot act.

Software ownership

Knowledge: private greed, public good. Profit vs. affordability Freedom of expression and access to information Right to communicate: share and learn in a globalized world. Digital divide is immoral. Open source software: Linux. Open access. North-South information flow. Indigenous knowledge.

Codes of ethics

Avoid harm to others Be honest and trustworthy Acquire and maintain professional competence Know and respect existing laws pertaining to professional work Avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest Be honest and realistic in stating claims or estimates based on available data

Global Information Ethics

Freedom of speech in the USA Control of pornography Protection of intellectual property Invasion of privacy Global cyberbusiness Global education: free press Information rich and poor