Computer Ethics

What is Ethics?

§   Branch of philosophy

§   Helps people find their way through moral dilemma.

Moral Dilemma

§   When it is not clear which, if any, moral rule applies.

§   When two or more rule applies and they conflict.

What is a Computer Ethics?

§   Explores the way that ethical principal can be used to think through the moral dilemmas caused by computer use.

Ethical Principles

§   An act is ethical if, were everyone to act the same way, society as a whole would benefit.

§   If treats people as an end in themselves, rather than as a means to an end.

§   If impartial observers would judge that it is fair to all the parties concerned.

Computer Ethics for Computer Users

§   Respect yourself and do not give password to any second person.

§   Respect others and do not ask for passwords or use the disk space used by others.

§   Always give credit your originality.

Computer Ethics for Computer Professionals

§   A high standard of skill and knowledge.

§   A confidential relationship with people served.

§   Public reliance upon the standards of conduct in established practice.

§   The observance of an ethical code.

Ten commandments

§   Not use a computer to harm other people.

§   Not interfere with other people's computer work.

§   Not snoop around in other people's files.

§   Not use a computer to steal.

§   Not use a computer to beal false witness.

§   Not use other people's computer resource without authorization or proper permission.

§   Not appropriate people's intellectual output.

§   Think about the social consequences of the program you write or the system you design.

§   Use a computer in ways that show consideration and respect for your fellow humans.

§   Not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid.