Introduction to Computer Ethics

Computer ethics defined (1) The ethical questions that arise as a consequence of the development and deployment of computing technologies. This involves: clarifying the issues & problems developing a framework for their resolution Johnson & Nissenbaum

Computer ethics defined (2) The analysis of the nature and social impact of computer technology and the corresponding formulation and justification of policies for the ethical use of such technology James Moor

Computer ethics defined (3) Computer ethics examines the impact of computers on our social, legal, and moral systems … Tavani

Evolution of computer ethics issues Phase Time Period Technological Features Associated Issues 1 1950s-1960s Stand-alone machines (large mainframe computers) Artificial intelligence (AI), database privacy ("Big Brother") 2 1970s-1980s Minicomputers and PCs interconnected via privately owned networks Issues from Phase 1 plus concerns involving intellectual property and software piracy, computer crime, privacy and the exchange of records. 3 1990s-Present Internet and World Wide Web Issues from Phases 1 and 2 plus concerns about free speech, anonymity, legal jurisdiction, virtual communities, etc. 4 Present to Near Future Convergence of information and communication technologies with nanotechnology research and genetic and genomic research, etc. Issues from Phases 1-3 plus concerns about artificial electronic agents ("bots") with decision-making capabilities, bionic chip implants, nanocomputing research, etc.

Is computer ethics different from other kinds of ethics? I.e., is an entirely new kind of ethics required in order to deal with the ethical questions that arise from widespread computer use? Let’s distinguish between the uniqueness of the technology & the uniqueness of the ethical issues. Even though there is a relationship Powerful technologies have profound social consequences.

The uniqueness of the computer It plays a defining role in the world It has expanded capabilities And provides expanded possibilities It has created new entities The scale of computer-dependent activities is greater than ever because of its: Speed Scope Ability to store & manipulate large amounts of data Ability to perform complex calculations

The uniqueness of computer ethics? Consider some examples of the impact of this unique technology: Privacy issues Intellectual property issues Workplace issues Effects of malfunctions

Some say “yes”, others say “no” All agree that it’s important to study computer ethics, but with varying perspectives Maner: yes There are brand new ethical issues before us that didn’t exist before the advent of computing. Johnson: no The ethical problems that arise are not new, but are new species of old problems. Moor: yes & no Ethical problems arising from situations in which computers are essentially involved are unique. Barlow: yes Views cyberspace as a newly discovered continent.

Deborah Johnson New species have special features and…if we simply treat them as the same as other familiar cases we may fail to recognize how the new features change the situation in morally significant ways.

James Moor The logical malleability & informational enrichment capabilities of computers give rise to policy vacuums caused by conceptual muddles.

Computer ethics as a field of professional ethics Most professions promote standards for acceptable behavior. What special responsibilities do computer professionals have?

Computer ethics as a field of philosophical ethics Johnson New species of old problems Moor Filling ethical policy vacuums Brey Disclosive ethics

A first stab at analyzing a computer ethics situation Who are the stakeholders? What are the technology aspects that give rise to significant ethical issues? Formulate an analogy that enables you to highlight & clarify the significant issues Draw a conclusion.

Identifying stakeholders The social context and social impact of a specific instance of computer usage are best understood when we can identify the stakeholders - those individuals and groups whose lives will be most affected. What relationships do these people have to each other? to the technology? How are various aspects of their lives affected by this use of technology?

Analogies Reasoning by analogy involves the use of familiar situations to understand ethical issues involving computers. They are useful in teasing out the similarities as well as the differences. They must be fully developed to be useful.