1. Introduction to Computer Ethics

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

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

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

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

14. 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.

15. 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?

16. 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.