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Lesson-1

The document introduces computer ethics through various scenarios, including software copying, data mining, freedom of expression, and professional responsibility. It discusses the implications of new computing possibilities, moral and legal issues, and definitions of computer ethics from scholars like James Moor and Deborah Johnson. The document also explores whether computer ethical issues are unique and highlights the logical malleability of computers and their societal impact.

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baldosromelie
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4 views

Lesson-1

The document introduces computer ethics through various scenarios, including software copying, data mining, freedom of expression, and professional responsibility. It discusses the implications of new computing possibilities, moral and legal issues, and definitions of computer ethics from scholars like James Moor and Deborah Johnson. The document also explores whether computer ethical issues are unique and highlights the logical malleability of computers and their societal impact.

Uploaded by

baldosromelie
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lesson 1

Introduction to Computer Ethics


1.1 Scenarios

• 1.1.1 Scenario 1: Should I copy software?


• 1.1.2 Scenario 2: Should a company data mine?
What is data mining?
• is a process of exploration and analysis of large
quantities of data, by automatic or semiautomatic
means. This is done in order to discover meaningful
patterns and rules. In many cases, the data was not
collected primarily for the purpose of Data Mining.

Something to consider:
• Should customer be notified?
• Is there a need for establishment of a policy? What should this policy
look like?
1.1 Scenarios (cont.)

• 1.1.3 Scenario 3: Freedom of Expression

Something to consider:
• Should self-censorship be enforced. Who decides
what is acceptable?
• Is there a need for a public policy?
1.1 Scenarios (cont.)

• 1.1.4 Scenario 4: Professional Responsibility

Something to consider:
• Should software package be lent?
• When is it justifiable to break the law? Bad law, inappropriate
law or if the law is easy to break?
1.2. New Possibilities
• 1.2.1 New Possibilities in Computing
For example,
• Consumers are able to buy goods on and offline using computers.
The nature of the goods might be different (e.g., abstract data)
but the principal remains the same.
• Computers allow individuals to be tracked without their
knowledge.
• Computers eliminate human contact, for better or for worse
• Computers give wide access to data and information
Task
• Activity 1.2 (page 6)
1.2. New Possibilities (cont.)
• 1.2.2 Computers Used in Social context
Another area that we should be considering is the use of computers
in social context. This includes the use of a large database for
governmental agency such as home affairs (to keep birth, death,
address etc.), police or the judiciary (for criminal records, fine etc.).
These agencies have always kept records in paper form long before
computers came along.
Task
• Activity 1.3: Government Databases (page 6)
1.2. New Possibilities (cont.)
• 1.2.3 Moral and Legal Issues
Sometime it takes a considerable time for the ethical
framework to be developed for an innovation as the
technology itself evolves so quickly. A policy vacuum is
most effectively filled by introduction of appropriate laws,
but this takes time.
1.3 Definitions of Computer Ethics
• 1.3.1 James Moor

The analysis of the nature and the social impact of


computer technology and the corresponding formulation
and justification of policies for the ethical use of such
technology.
1.3 Definitions of Computer Ethics
• 1.3.2 Deborah Johnson

The study of the ethical questions that arise as a consequence of


the development and deployment of computers and computing
technologies. It involves two activities. One is identifying and
bringing into focus the issues and problems that fall within its
scope, raising awareness of the ethical dimension of a particular
situation. The second is providing an approach to these issues, a
means of advancing our understanding of, and suggesting ways of
reaching wise solutions to these problems.
1.4 Are Computer Ethical Issues Unique?
The answer to the question will imply a different way in which these issues can
be dealt with. If they are not unique, an effective solution can be derived or
adapted from what existing guidelines. If they are unique then a completely
new way of dealing with them may have to be derived

The different answers (and the reasons) includes:

• No, in the sense that there is nothing new under the sun. There
has always been issues of privacy, property and freedom. The
introduction of computers does not necessary introduce new
way of doing things. Often computers increase efficiency but
fundamentally, the way of doing the task is still the same.
1.4 Are Computer Ethical Issues Unique? (cont.)
• No, in the sense that there is nothing new under the sun. There has always
been issues of privacy, property and freedom. The introduction of
computers does not necessary introduce new way of doing things. Often
computers increase efficiency but fundamentally, the way of doing the task
is still the same.

• Yes, in the sense that a new technology has been introduced that never
existed before. An example of this is the computer program. Computer
programs are unlike anything that was preceded before it. It can be (and
has been) regarded as properties like cars or houses, while alternative it can
also be seen as an individual expression, not unlike a song. Yet another
alternative is to regarded as an idea.
1.4 Are Computer Ethical Issues Unique? (cont.)

• Yes, it facilitates new human actions that were not possible (or economically
viable) before. For example, virus writing is a noticeable problem with
computers. While it is arguable that similar problems existed prior to the
existence computers, they were not of a large enough scale to be considered
an ethical issue. Another example, that have been cited many times before
involve the use of data mining.
1.4 Are Computer Ethical Issues Unique? (cont.)

1.4.1 What Make Computer Ethics Different?


❑ The logical malleability of computers
• Moor (1985) argues that what is revolutionary about
computers is logical malleability.
• Computers are viewed as being logically malleable in that
they can be shaped and molded to do any activity that can be
characterized in terms of inputs, outputs and connecting
logical operations.
• The logic of computers can be shaped in infinite ways through
changes in hardware and software.
1.4 Are Computer Ethical Issues Unique? (cont.)

1.4.1 What Make Computer Ethics Different?


❑ The logical malleability of computers
'Just, as the power of a steam engine was the raw resource of the
Industrial Revolution so the logic of a computer is a raw resource of the
Information Revolution. Because the logic applies everywhere, the
potential applications of computer technology appear limitless. The
computer is the nearest thing we have to a universal tool. Indeed, the
limits of computers are largely the limits of our own creativity.’- Moor
1.4 Are Computer Ethical Issues Unique? (cont.)

1.4.1 What Make Computer Ethics Different?


❑ The computer's impact on society
'Computers have been used for years by businesses to expedite
routine work, such as calculating payrolls. However, as personal
computers become widespread and allow executives to work at
home, and as robots do more and more factory work, the
emerging question will not be merely "How well
do computers help us work?" but "What is the nature of this
work?“’ - Moor

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