© Simon Rogerson 2001 Why teach ethics? Professor Simon Rogerson Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility De Montfort University

© Simon Rogerson 2001 Computing Profession n builders and maintainers of systems n science, engineering, design and documentation n managers of builders and maintainers n decision makers n but not the using community

© Simon Rogerson 2001 Being unethical using ICT n computer programmer activities n anonymous Internet r ers n ease of copying software n such incidents are not exceptional –can devastate businesses –harm individuals –damage the very fabric of society

© Simon Rogerson 2001 Obligations n Supplier n User company n Individual user n Community member

© Simon Rogerson 2001 The wider picture Future practitioners must be able to anticipate the impact of introducing a given product into a given environment. Will that product enhance or degrade the quality of life? What will the impact be upon individuals, groups, and institutions? Don Gotterbarn

© Simon Rogerson 2001 Trust n trust in the computing professional’s competence to deliver reliable systems n public expectation n professionals have a higher order of care

© Simon Rogerson 2001 Greeks and Geeks! n Moral Philosophy - ethics n issues of right and wrong (& right and right) n norms of behaviour n clarifying assumptions n evaluating arguments

© Simon Rogerson 2001 Professional Guidance n Codes of conduct - meta principles n Formal training and education n Mentoring –Newly acquired enlightened attitudes need to be nurtured n Establishment of Ethics Circles

© Simon Rogerson 2001 Computing application checklist n promote social and economic justice? n restore reciprocity? n benefit the many? n put people first? n limit economic gain because of potential social and environmental cost? n favour the reversible over the irreversible? Does it -

© Simon Rogerson 2001 Ask yourself n Who is affected by your work? n Are others being treated with respect? n How would the public view your decisions? n How will the least empowered be affected? n Are your acts worthy of the model computing professional?

© Simon Rogerson 2001 Of computing and accountability The Code of Hammurabi 20 century BC

© Simon Rogerson 2001 Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful. Samuel Johnson (1759)