Ethical Issues in Computing Lesson 1

Summary

In this session on ethical, legal, and professional issues in computing, the focus is on understanding the relationship between law, ethics, and technology. The lesson covers key ethical theories, ethical dilemmas in computing, and the role of professional codes of conduct. Key concepts include logical malleability, the impact of computing on society, and the invisibility factor in technology. Through practical activities, students will learn how to identify and analyze ethical issues in computing. The session emphasizes the importance of balancing innovation with responsibility to ensure ethical use of technology.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ethical, legal, and professional issues in computing are essential topics in the field of computer technology.
• 😀 The lesson's main objective is to help students understand the relationship between law, ethics, and computing technology.
• 😀 Students will learn to identify ethical issues, recognize who is affected by them, and understand ethical theories in computing.
• 😀 Computer ethics emerged in the early 1980s, with James Moore's paper 'What is Computer Ethics?' marking a key milestone.
• 😀 Computer ethics involves analyzing the nature of computers, their societal impact, and formulating policies for their ethical use.
• 😀 James Moore coined the term 'invisible abuse,' which refers to unethical actions using hidden operations within computer systems.
• 😀 Moore identified three unique properties of computers that make them a special case in ethics: logical malleability, impact on society, and the invisibility factor.
• 😀 Logical malleability refers to the ability of computers to perform any activity, shaping them to meet specific needs through software and hardware changes.
• 😀 Computers have a profound impact on society, influencing communication, employment, accessibility, and introducing both benefits and challenges like cybersecurity threats.
• 😀 The invisibility factor in computing involves issues like invisible abuse, invisible programming values, and complex calculations, which may not be understood by users.
• 😀 Ethical decision-making in computing requires understanding the broader consequences of technology, balancing innovation with responsibility for society.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of today's lesson on ethical, legal, and professional issues in computing?

The primary goal of today's lesson is to provide a general introduction to ethical, legal, and professional issues in computing, laying the groundwork for the rest of the semester. The focus is on understanding the relationship between law, ethics, and computer technology, identifying ethical issues, and applying professional codes of conduct.

Who coined the term 'computer ethics,' and when was it first introduced?

The term 'computer ethics' was coined by James Moore in a paper published in 1985 titled 'What is Computer Ethics.'

What are the three unique properties that make computer ethics a special case?

According to James Moore, the three unique properties that make computer ethics a special case are: logical malleability, impact on society, and the invisibility factor.

Can you explain the concept of 'logical malleability' in computing?

'Logical malleability' refers to the ability of computers to be shaped and molded to perform any activities through inputs, outputs, and logical operations. Unlike manufactured products like cars or refrigerators, the function of computers can be endlessly redefined or adapted, making them highly flexible and adaptable.

What is the 'impact on society' as discussed in the lesson?

The 'impact on society' refers to the extensive influence computers and technology have on areas such as communication, employment, accessibility, and even personal devices. The impact is not just positive; it also introduces challenges like cybersecurity threats and digital rights management.

What does the 'invisibility factor' in computing refer to?

The 'invisibility factor' refers to the hidden aspects of computer operations that are not immediately visible to users, such as invisible programming abuse, invisible calculations, and complex operations within the software or hardware of computers.

What is an example of 'invisible abuse' in computing?

An example of 'invisible abuse' would be a programmer intentionally using the invisible operations of a computer to engage in unethical behavior, such as stealing excess interest from a bank or altering confidential information.

How do 'invisible programming values' affect computer technology?

Invisible programming values are judgments made by programmers about what is important or not, which become embedded in the final product. These values may not be apparent to users who run the program, and they influence the behavior of the software in ways that the user might not be aware of.

Why is 'invisible calculation' a critical issue in computer ethics?

Invisible calculation is a critical issue because computers today perform complex calculations that are beyond human comprehension. For example, military applications like nuclear weapon decisions may rely on such calculations, raising ethical questions about how much we should trust computers in these high-stakes scenarios.

What is the relationship between ethics and law in computing, as discussed in the lesson?

The lesson emphasizes that ethics and law are different. Simply following the law does not always lead to ethical decision-making, and vice versa. Legal actions may not always be ethical, and ethical actions may go beyond legal requirements. This distinction highlights the need for a framework to guide ethical decisions in computing.