1 Recipe for Disaster: Engineering without Ethics Dr. C. Dianne Martin Professor, Computer Science The George Washington University Dr. C. Dianne Martin Professor, Computer Science The George Washington University

2 Welcome to the Moral High Ground!

3 Why Ethics in Computer Science? IS THAT REALLY HOW THE BIG COMPANIES FIND YOUNG TALENT, YEAH! BUD? BOB, I’LL NEVER MAKE A NAME FOR MYSELF IN THE HIGH-TECH INDUSTRY! ALL THE BIG COMPUTER NETWORKS HAVE ALREADY BEEN BROKEN INTO! IT’S THE ONLY PROFESSION WHERE COMMITTING A FELONY IS CONSIDERED A CAREER MOVE

4 The Cherynobyl Lesson This was no accident! Modern disaster lesson : –Highly intelligent engineers and scientists –Advanced technologies –Unethical decisions

5 Ethics Defined Study of human morality Determining values in human conduct Deciding the “right thing to do” - based upon a set of norms In Engineering: –dealing with colleagues –dealing with clients –dealing with employees –dealing with “users’ –dealing with public

6  Raise awareness - ethics radar  Make decisions – make the right choice  Take action – do the right thing  Personal integrity and self-respect  # 1 element of professional reputation  HIGH ETHICS -> HIGH PROFITS Why Focus on Ethics?

7 Analysis of an Ethical Quandry 1. Who are the “stakeholders?” 2. What are the KEY statements (clues) in the problem? 3. What are the legal considerations? 4. What are the possible actions to be taken? (generate options) 5. Is there a clearly “right” action to be taken? (evaluate options)

8 3 Ethical “What’s” What? situationWhat? situation So What? impactSo What? impact Now What? reactionNow What? reaction Awareness Analysis Action

9 The Ford Pinto Case During crash tests which proceeded the introduction of the Pinto to the public, it became evident that there was a serious design flaw. The gas tank was so designed that when it was involved in a rear end collision at an impact speed of 20 MPH or greater, the tank was apt to rupture, causing a fire and explosion. The tank was only 5’ forward of the rear sheet metal of the body and only 3’ from the back rear axle. In most rear-end crashes, the axle housing deformed the tank and sharp bolts punctured the tank. Following crash tests, the conclusion was that the rear end structure was not satisfactory. Suggested changes would have cost about $11 per car. A confidential company memo directed that the safety features not be adopted at that time until required by law. ECONOMICS OR ETHICS ???

10 Engineering as an Ethical Profession What is a Profession? –special expertise –shared moral values –dependent public –self-regulation –promote and protect right actions The responsibility to be ethical The right to be ethical Values embedded in technology

11 How to evaluate a code of ethics.  Will the code of ethics enable an employee to make the right decisions when situations arise?  Will it provide a positive source of public evaluation, enhance reputation, and build public trust?  Will it enable new employees to be effectively socialized into the professional culture, know what’s expected?  Is it specific enough to deter unethical behavior and provide support to the employee who wants to do the right thing?  Can it be used to provide legal protection to employees during litigation?

12 So Why Bother With Ethics?? Special knowledge Involved in decision-making Engineering pervades society BOTTOM LINE: Practicing engineers are more apt to get into trouble as a result of a failure to properly anticipate and handle ethical problems rather than as a result of a traditional engineering problems!

13 Results of the Ethics Equation Quality products Conservation of resources Pride in work Public safety Timeliness GOOD BUSINESS Shoddy products Waste, fraud, greed Abuse of expertise Guilt, fear Lack of safety Cutting corners –poor design –rushed testing DISASTERS! ETHICAL BEHAVIOR UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR

14 Ethics will be THE issue of the 21st Century Modern recipe for disaster: –Highly intelligent engineers and scientists –Advanced technologies –Unethical decisions Remember Cherynobyl, Challenger, Pinto, Robert Morris computer virus, Mars lander.....

15 Thanks for your attention! QUESTIONS?? Dr. C. Dianne Martin Professor, Computer Science The George Washington University