Introduction to ethics and computingethics

cyberethics

1. CS E172c
Computer Ethics
Lecture 01
Instructor: Dr. hisham el-shishatawy

2. Introduction to Ethics
Quote from Aristotle:
“Man, when perfected, is the best of
the animals, but when separated
from law and justice, he is the
worst of all”
Computer Ethics

3. What is Ethics?
Each society forms a set of rules that establishes the
boundaries of generally accepted behavior.
These rules are often expressed in statements about how
people should behave, and they fit together to form the
moral code by which a society lives.
Ethics is the set of beliefs about right and wrong behavior.
Ethical behavior conforms to generally accepted social
norms, many of which are almost universal.
Virtues are habits that incline people to do what is
acceptable, and vices are habits of unacceptable behavior
People’s virtues and vices help define their value system –
the complex scheme of moral values by which they live
Computer Ethics

4. Two Points of View
There is nothing new or special about ethical issues
involving computer technology.
First Law of Philosophy
There are new, unique ethical issues that could not
have existed without computer technology.
Second Law of Philosophy
Computer Ethics

5. Policy Vacuums
Computers are logically malleable.
Typical problems arise in Computer Ethics because there is a policy
vacuum about how computer technology should be used.
Computer Ethics

6. What Do We Mean by Cyber Ethics?
Analysis of the nature and social impact of computer technology
Corresponding formulation and justification of policies for the ethical
use of such technology.
Computer Ethics

7. Information Gap
Example: Sub Saharan Africa
Any third world country
Computer Ethics

8. On Line Education
Cyber Degrees
Social Acceptance?
Take the Money, send the diploma, but provide weak or no
educational experience
Computer Ethics

9. Electronic Voting
Paper vs. machine vs. computer.
Convenience and speed.
Computer Ethics

10. On Line Pharmacies
Convenience and price.
Prescription needed?
Doctor’s role?
Computer Ethics

11. Athletic Recruiting
Numbers of phone calls vs. emails
Personal promotions both amateur and professional
Two_way investigations
Computer Ethics

12. RFID
Radio Frequency Identification RFID
May contain everything about a person
Saves Lives
Invades Privacy
Computer Ethics

13. Employee Monitoring
Email
Websites
Monitoring software
Computer Ethics

14. Virtual Life
Gaming
Create your own identity
Purchase virtual merchandise
Hone your skills
Computer Ethics

15. Who Are You? Who Am I?
Anonymity in the virtual world
How many hours do people spend online?
Confusion?
Computer Ethics

16. Natural World and Cyberspace
Physical World: DNA, RNA: A, T, G, C
Computer World: 0, 1
Natural Ethics
Cyber Ethics
Creation?
Natural World
Virtual World
Computer Ethics

17. Controlling Cyberspace
Relativism need not apply.
Cyberspace is beyond geographic and political boundaries.
Do we want to enforce ethical standards on cyberspace?
Can we?
We must depend on human integrity.
Computer Ethics