chapter 1 - PROFESSIONALISM AND ETHICS IN COMPUTING

Professional Ethic

Personal and comporight of standard of behavior expected of the members of a particular profession

Engineering Ethic

The field of applied ethics and system of moral principle that applies to the practice of engineering
The field examines and sets the obligations by engineers to society, to their clients and to the professin

Computer Ethic

A part of practical philosophy which concerns with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct

Philosophical and Computer Ethics

is relating or devoted to the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence

Define computer ethics

Morally acceptable use of computers 
     i.e. using computers appropriately

Standards or guidelines are important in this industry, because technology changes are outstripping the legal system’s ability to keep up

The Uniqueness of Computer Ethics

Consider some example of the impact of this unique technology
- Privacy issues
- Intellectual property issues
- Workplace issues
-  Effects of malfunctions

3 main concept of ethic in computing

Responsibility :-

Here responsibility is interchangeable with duty and refers to what individuals are expected to do in virtue of one of their social roles

We have duties in virtue of being an employee, a parent, a citizen, a friend, etc.

These roles entail responsibilities that may not come into play until a special situation arises (e.g., your parent becomes ill)

Accountability :-

A person is accountable to give a report of what happened, to go to jail, to pay compensation or sometimes in the sense that they should bear guilt and remorse for the situation

Liability :-

Individuals can be considered responsible in the sense of being liable (legally).

To be the person who, according to law, must pay damages or compensate when certain events occur. E. g. if someone is working at your house, slips and hurts himself.

Importance of Ethic

-Prevents theft of Intellectual Property
-Prevents loss of various Jobs in the field of software development
-Keeps you from being unethical
-Makes your computer a better and safe place

Philosophical ethics

Consequentialism

Gives a plain and simple definition of consequentialism:

Of all the things a person might do at any given moment, the morally right action is the one with the best overall consequences.

Deontologism

Is the normative ethical position that judges the morality of an action based on the action's adherence to a rule or rules. It is sometimes described as "duty-" or "obligation-" or "rule-" based ethics

Social Contract Theory

is the view that persons' moral and/or political obligations are dependent upon a contract or agreement among them to form the society in which they live

Professionalism

The competence or skill expected of a professional

Ethic

A set of moral principles, especially ones relating to or affirming a specified group, field or form of conduct

Law

Is a system of rules that are enforced through social instituation to govern behavior

How Ethic, Professionalism and Law are related

Laws are based on Ethic, morals and order. professional practice is based on integrity, for example ethics, morals and order. Ethics are the basis of professional practice and law

Distinguish between law and ethics.

Law

1. Ethic social guidelines based on moral principles and values

2. Ethics do not have punishments, fines or penalties when people fear to obeyed by them

3. Ethics set forth social guidelines

Ethics

1. Laws are rules and regulations.

2. Laws provides specific penalties and consequences when violated.

3. Laws enforce actions.