Computer Ethics Lecture 3

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary concern of computing professionals according to the ACM Code of Conduct?

Develop innovative technologies regardless of social impact

Ensure that the public good is the central concern during all professional computing work (correct)

Focus solely on individual user privacy

Maximize profit from computing work

Which type of ethics is characterized by an emphasis on the virtues and moral character of computing professionals?

Virtue ethics (correct)

Deontological ethics

Utilitarian ethics

Pragmatic ethics

Which of the following is NOT one of the ethical actions suggested to computing professionals in the ACM Code of Conduct?

Be honest and trustworthy

Hoard knowledge for personal gain (correct)

Respect privacy

Avoid harm

What aspect of computer technology contributes to its unique ethical challenges?

The internationality of computing Signup and view all the answers

How does rule-based ethics approach computing ethics?

By establishing guidelines and principles to follow Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical principle emphasizes the importance of avoiding harm in computing?

Avoidance of harm Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main responsibilities of computing professionals regarding public awareness?

To foster public understanding of computing and its consequences Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a special feature of computers that leads to ethical considerations?

The ease of copying and stealing digital content Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes normative ethics from practical ethics in the context of computer ethics?

Normative ethics is concerned with what is morally right or wrong. Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical theory emphasizes actions based on their consequences in the field of computer ethics?

Utilitarianism Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to the phenomenon where consumers trust technology without questioning its decisions?

Overtrust Signup and view all the answers

In discussions about computer systems, what is meant by 'moral crumple zone'?

Programmers absorbing responsibility for system failures. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common argument against integrating ethics into computer programming education?

The industry prioritizes fitting in over critical questioning. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern regarding the accountability of computer programmers?

They are solely responsible for all programming errors. Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of AI in warfare challenge traditional ethical considerations?

AI removes human decision-making from military engagement. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of computer ethics discusses the potential societal impacts of technology?

Impact of technology on social structures. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main types of ethics?

Normative Ethics, Applied Ethics, Metaethics Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical theory is concerned with the outcomes or consequences of actions?

Utilitarianism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of global and cultural competence for computing professionals?

Awareness of global values and the impact of cultural practices in technology Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the responsibilities of computing professionals?

They should consider societal issues and ethical implications in their work. Signup and view all the answers

What does Deontology emphasize in ethical decision-making?

The adherence to rules and duties Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a type of computer ethics?

Business Ethics Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Virtue Ethics?

The character traits and virtues of individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which professional code of ethics is NOT specifically mentioned for computing professionals?

AIIM Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a key aspect of Applied Ethics?

Application of ethical principles to real-world situations Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lecture 3: Computer Ethics

Definition of Ethics: The study of what is good and bad, right and wrong, and moral duty and obligation.
Normative Ethics: Deals with what is right and wrong
- Deontology: Focuses on duties and rules (e.g., the Ten Commandments, ACM Code of Ethics).
- Utilitarianism: Emphasizes the best consequences.
- Virtue Ethics: Focuses on exemplary behavior and character traits.
Practical/Applied Ethics: Examines ethical issues in specific contexts.
Computer Ethics: Specific ethical considerations related to computers.
- Relevance: Computer ethics is crucial as computers impact society significantly.
- Neutral Tool or Embedded Values: Are computers neutral tools or do they have built-in values and consequences? Computer ethics questions whether humans should be responsible for the ethical decisions related to the computer's use.
- Programmer Responsibility: The responsibility of programmers regarding the ethical implications of their work, whether as users or developers.
Why Study Computer Ethics?: Pros and Cons
- Arguments For: Technologists should raise ethical concerns as technology's societal significance grows.
- Arguments Against: Philosophers and politicians might be less tech-savvy, leading to overlooked issues.
Additional Points:
- Special Aspects of Computers: Speed, storage/privacy, interconnectedness (international), copying/stealing, cyberwar, AI in warfare.
- Problems related to Ethical Considerations: Transparency, overtrust in systems, many hands/responsibility, moral complacency, absorbing moral responsibility.
Cases:
- The Trolley Problem (variants): Ethical dilemmas involving difficult choices.
- Uber/Autonomous Vehicle Accidents: Ethical dilemmas involving automated decision-making in autonomous vehicles.
- Other Specific Cases Discussed: Social media censorship.
Specific examples of ethical standards: The ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, detailed concepts and guidelines.

Student Survey Data

Ethics Courses Offered: A significant portion (42.7%) of students surveyed reported that their university has offered ethics lectures during their Science and Technology studies.
Preferred Teaching Methods: A majority (50%) of students opted for traditional lectures as the preferred teaching format for ethics in science and technology.

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Description

Explore the essential concepts of computer ethics in this lecture. We will discuss the definitions, normative ethics including deontology and utilitarianism, and the unique challenges and responsibilities associated with technology. Understanding the ethical implications of computers in society is crucial for responsible use.