Computer Ethics. & Professional Responsibility. Ms. Fadwa Al-Ghreimil

Transcription

1 Computer Ethics & Professional Responsibility Ms. Fadwa Al-Ghreimil

2 Introduction 1- What do we mean by computer ethics? 3- Do we need a special field of study for IT ethics? 2- Why does IT create ethical issues? 4- What s the best way to understand and resolve ethical issues in IT? PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 2

3 Agenda What? Why? How? Computer ethics Special nature Special features Its importance Why study Theories Professional Responsibility PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 3

4 What? Why? How? What is Computer Ethics? Ethics: is the study of what is right to do in a given situation. PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 4

5 What? Why? How? The Special Nature of Computer Ethics The Standard Account James Moor, 1985 an article entitled What is Computer Ethics? Technology created superpowers for humans Fly airplanes, reach the top of buildings with elevators, x-rays New technologies seem to pose ethical issues when they create new possibilities for human action Virtual worlds, online communication, new tracking possibilities PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 5

6 What? Why? How? The Special Nature of Computer Ethics Technology changed the instrumentation of human action in two main ways: 1. Expanding human capabilities (genetically modified food, TV, phone, cars, performance monitoring system) 2. Created new actions that weren t possible before technology (blogging, web surfing) New possibilities technologies are not always good, they may affect different ppl differently (cars air pollution, nuclear power nuclear waste) PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 6

7 What? Why? How? Moor s Standard Account New Possibilities Conceptual Muddles Policy Vacuum Computer ethics fills the policy vacuum Finding the right policy is complex PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 7

8 What? Why? How? Three Features of the Internet a. Global, Many-to-Many scope b. Anonymity c. Reproducibility Computer ethics brings new species of traditional moral problems PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 8

9 What? Why? How? a. Many-to-Many Scope Broader scope of reach than traditional communication Faster Interactive (two way) Summary Interactive communication with speed, ease, and low cost on a global scale POWER PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 9

10 What? Why? How? b. Anonymity Pseudonymity (chat, virtual games) No physical attributes Although, ISPs can trace and recreate what was done in their system, so they can track hackers and other lawbreakers, yet it s hard to know who was behind the crime Disconnection between computer & person Summary Lack of link-ability reduces accountability and trust PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 10

11 What? Why? How? c. Reproducibility Copied data has no loss of value No evidence Disconnection between words and ppl source credibility Summary Reproduction when internet is the medium is much easier than if done in ordinary space PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 11

12 What? Why? How? Ethical Significance Those three internet communication features create benefits as well as ethical issues We need to shape the internet to serve us rather than harm us Summary It s challenging to find a balance between the advantages and disadvantages of technology PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 12

13 Why? PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 13

14 What? Why? How? Its Importance Computers are rapidly moving into every aspect of daily life Businesses success depend on gathering information The global impact of computers is on the rise Shapes human relationships PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 14

15 What? Why? How? Why Study Computer Ethics? In 1977, Parker s Study Invited highly trained professionals from various fields Gave them 47 simple cases with ethical issues Found clear disagreement among them even after discussing the cases Some did not spot any ethical issues Conclusion of the Study: If some could not even recognize when ethical matters were present, it is hard to imagine that could deal responsibly with them PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 15

16 What? Why? How? Levels of Justification for the Study of Computer Ethics Level 1: Accreditation boards made moral education a necessity Level 2:Technology will always create temporarily policy vacuums Level 3: Teaches us to avoid computer abuse and helps students to have good judgements Level 4: Makes us behave with more responsibility PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 16

17 What? Why? How? Why Study Computer Ethics? Summary The better we understand technology and how it shapes and is shaped by human beings, the better our choices and decisions are likely to be. Studying traditional ethics is too general for the more focused IT ethics PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 17

18 How? PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 18

19 What? Why? How? What Needs to be Done 1- Analysis of the nature and social impact of computer technology 2-The corresponding formulation and justification of policies for the ethical use of such technology PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 19

20 Ethical Theories - Analysis Framework Tools for analyzing ethical issues 1. Utilitarianism 2. Deontological theory 3. Virtue ethics 4. Analogical reasoning in computer ethics PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 20

21 1- Utilitarianism (Theory) What makes behaviour right or wrong depends on the consequences Jeremy Bentham Happiness-producing consequences Basic principle: everyone should do as to bring about the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people used to formulate a decision procedure. (15 February June 1832) PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 21 Source:

22 Utilitarianism (Theory) Critique of Utilitarianism Arguments Ppl are valuable by themselves, not for their contribution to society In maximizing overall good, it might be unfair to a smaller group Killing one to save ten others slavery PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 22

23 2- Deontological Theories - Kantian Emphasize on the internal character of the act itself Telling the truth respect to the other vs. fear of punishment Killing (22 April February 1804) Kant s philosophy categorical imperative never treat humans as means to an end, but always treat them as ends themselves. PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 23 Source:

24 Theory Application Kidney dialysis Research about domestic violence PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 24

25 3- Virtue Ethics Aristotelian Analysis Virtue = excellence Who is a good person? What are the virtues associated with being one? Courage, honesty, generosity, tolerance, self-control Focuses on the moral character, while the other theories focus primarily on action and decisionmaking قال صلى هللا عليه وسلم :)إنما بعثت ألتمم مكارم األخالق( Aristotle (384 BC 322 BC) PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 25 Source:

26 Virtues to Guide One s Conduct When faced with ethical issues, one normally doesn t think of seeking advice from a philosopher, or use philosophical principles like the categorical imperative, or the principle of utility. Nevertheless, ppl usually make successful ethical judgements because they can defer between right and wrong within their community and they adapt a traditional solution PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 26

27 Virtue Ethics Human beings are creatures of habit Aristotle When properly brought up and educated, they develop patterns of behaviour consistent with the rules and values of their society. They develop a desire to avoid offending others and escape punishment What would my friends & family say? What would the neighbours think? Would I still be respected by my coworkers? PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 27

28 Virtue Ethics In practice, computer professionals often use personal standards and values derived from their family or local community, rather than referring to the ethical theories. One may also go back to the policies of conduct What are policies of conduct? PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 28

29 Virtue Ethics Policies of conduct are a multileveled rich-textured fabric of overlapping laws, rules, principles and practices International treaties and agreements Laws Regulations Standards of good practice Professional codes of ethics Corporate policies Community and personal values PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 29

30 4- Analogical Reasoning in CE Comparing similar traditional issues before technology Hacking Less harmful? Analogy helps build upon familiar situations to us Analogy is dangerous once we focus only on similarities of the cases and fail recognizing the differences Hacking to check level of system security vs. setting a fire in a supermarket PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 30

31 Summary There is no perfect theory, they all have their flaws. Therefore, the general concerns of ethical theories are a never ending dialogue and will always haunt philosophers PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 31

32 Conclusion The study of computer ethics is the study of human beings and society Technology is neutral guns don t kill people, people kill people. PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 32

33 Useful Online Resources Contains most topics on computer ethics Association of Computing and Machinery The world's leading professional association for the advancement of technology PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 33

34 Thank you for listening PSU, Jan 2010, Fadwa Al-Ghreimil 34