Ethical Implications of Computing Should Computer Scientists worry about ethics? Impact on Dr Lemma’s decision Intelligence vs. Expertise

ACM/IEEE Codes of Ethics ACM’s Code of Ethics –Contribute to human well being and avoid harm to others –Bring about a better understanding of computing and its consequences IEEE’s Code of Ethics –“make Engineering decisions consistent with the safety, health, and welfare of the public” –“improve the understanding of technology, its appropriate application, and potential consequences” The Education of Dr Lemma

Pros and Cons Trust the expert system –Is there life after amputation? Trust her gut –Do the potential gains outweigh potential losses?

What Should Dr Lemma Do? 1.Understand the expert system. 2.Respect the improvement in survival 3.Consider the “Hippocratic Oath” 4.Weigh the potential loss, not the potential gains.

What should Dr. Lemma Do? Make a human decision –Take the expert system into consideration –Dr. Lemma is still a Doctor! –Until the expert system is 100% effective –Dramatic steps

Ethically ACM/IEEE code of ethics –Dr. Lemma not a member Has her own code –People who created the expert system Should be honest about limitations of system Be careful that the system is doing more good than harm –Statistically –Take the human element out?

Future Technologies Concern over removal of the human element –Ex: Loss of Jobs, The Matrix, 2001… –One step at a time / Stop Now! Bill Joy: “Why the future doesn’t need us.” Danny Hillis: gradually Anti-Robot Groups –Dr. Lemma & other Dr’s should be wary Examine each technology