What Is "Computer Ethics"

Scope varies considerably A category of professional ethics Includes ethical issues faced by a computer

professional as part of the job Different assumptions will lead to different

results and because of different backgrounds, perspectives and objectives, there will be different results.

IT’S THE PROCESS

Ethical Behavior?

MORALITY (wiki)In its first, descriptive usage, morality means a code of conduct which is held to be authoritative in matters of right and wrong. Morals are created by and define society, philosophy, religion, or individual conscience. An example of the descriptive usage could be "common conceptions of morality have changed significantly over time."In its second, normative and universal sense, morality refers to an ideal code of conduct, one which would be espoused in preference to alternatives by all rational people, under specified conditions.

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INTEGRITY – “Personal and professional integrity is our guiding value in all that we do with honesty, loyalty, respect, and high ethical standards paramount in our performance.” -Unknown

lead a good

lifeHONORABLE – attesting to creditable conduct; consistent with an untarnished reputation; characterized by integrity.

trustworthy

loyal

Cheating and lying diminishes a person over time until they cannot tell the difference

between right or wrong… they can rationalize anything.

Ethical Dilemma

Definition: An Ethical dilemma is a complex situation that will often

involve an apparent mental conflict between moral imperatives, in which to obey one would result in transgressing another. This is also called an ethical paradox since in moral philosophy, paradox often plays a central role in ethics debates.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethical_dilemma

An ethical dilemma, also known as moral dilemma, is a situation wherein moral precepts or ethical obligations conflict in such a way that any possible resolution to the dilemma is morally intolerable. In other words, an ethical dilemma is any situation in which guiding moral principles cannot determine which course of action is right or wrong.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100728004810AAceaGu

What is Ethics, Anyway?

The study of what it means to "do the right thing"

Theory based on assumption that people are rational and make free choices

Rules to follow in our interactions with other people

Goal: to enhance human dignity, peace, happiness, and well-being

Normative ethics tell us what we should do Descriptive ethics tell us about how people

behave, what ethical rules have been adopted

SOME IMPORTANT DISTINCTIONS

Right, wrong, and okay Negative and positive rights, or

liberties and claim-rights Distinguishing wrong and harm Separating goals from constraints Personal preference and ethics Law and ethics

Right, wrong, and okay

Misleading to divide all acts into right or wrong

Better to think of acts as either ethically obligatory, ethically prohibited, or neither

Negative and positive rights, or liberties and claim-rights

Negative rights (liberties) are rights to act without interference. The only obligation they impose on others is not to prevent you from acting. The natural rights are liberties, as are the rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Positive rights (claim-rights) impose an obligation of some people to provide certain things for others. Means that someone must hire you whether or not they voluntarily choose to.

The problem: Some people think we have both negative and positive rights.

Distinguishing wrong and harm

One criterion is if the act harms someone. Harm is not a sufficient criterion to

determine that an act is unethical

Separating goals from constraints

There is a difference between goals and constraints on actions that may be taken to achieve the goals

There is nothing unethical about a business having the goal of maximizing profits

The ethical character of a company depends on whether the actions taken to achieve the goal are consistent with ethical constraints

Personal preference and ethics

May be difficult to draw a line between what we consider ethically wrong and what we personally disapprove of

It is a good idea to distinguish between actions we find distasteful and actions that we can argue convincingly are ethically wrong

Law and ethics

Ethics precedes law in the sense that ethical principles help determine whether or not specific laws should be passed

Some laws enforce ethical rules (murder and theft)

Other laws fall into several categories Commercial law-Framework in which transactions

can be accomplished Driving on right side of the road. Nothing

intrinsically right or wrong about choice until law is established

Laws influenced by pressure groups

No simple answers

Ethical theories do not provide clear, correct positions on most issues

They help to identify important principles or guidelines

Remind us of things to consider Help clarify reasoning and values

Professional Codes of Ethics

Good reasons to have such codes. Can provide a general statement of ethical values

reminding people in the profession that ethical behavior is expected of them

Can describe the standards of behavior developed by the profession over time

Can provide valuable guidance for new young members of the profession

Can be written by dedicated people who are honestly trying to devise a good code to guide practitioners in the field

Can be written to serve the interest of particular members of the profession rather than all practitioners and the public

Ethical Conduct Code for OSU/CSE OSU Code of student conduct:

http://studentlife.osu.edu/pdfs/csc_12-31-07.pdf Party Smart:

http://partysmart.osu.edu/code_of_conduct.asp Buckeye Masters Swim Club – Code of Conduct

http://bmsc.org.ohio-state.edu/Code%20of%20Conduct.htm COAM– Committee on Academic Misconduct (see next slide)

What is the value to you of others acting ethically?

Do you have the right to ask and/or expect ethical behavior from your colleagues?

What about other Departments at OSU – Electrical & Computer Engineering, School of Business MBA Program?

What about departments at other schools?

Codes of academic misconduct and their enforcement

Do different value systems have to be considered?

Should we have a code of ethics for students and faculty in the OSU CSE Department?

Misconduct vs Unethical

What is academic misconduct? http://oaa.osu.edu/coam/faq.html#whatisacademicmisconduct The University's Code of Student Conduct defines academic misconduct as "[a]ny activity that tends to

compromise the academic integrity of the University, or subvert the educational process." While many people associate academic misconduct with only "cheating," academic misconduct actually includes a wider scope of student behaviors, which include (but are not limited to):

Violation of course rules; Violation of program regulations; Knowingly providing or receiving information during a course exam or program assignment; Possession and/or use of unauthorized materials during a course exam or program assignment; Knowingly providing or using assistance in the laboratory, on field work, or on a course assignment,

unless such assistance has been authorized specifically by the course instructor or, where appropriate, a project/research supervisor;

Submission of work not performed in a course: This includes (but is not limited to) instances where a student fabricates and/or falsifies data or information for a laboratory experiment (i.e., a "dry lab") or other academic assignment. It also includes instances where a student submits data or information (such as a lab report or term paper) from one course to satisfy the requirements of another course, unless submission of such work is permitted by the instructor of the course or supervisor of the research for which the work is being submitted;

Submitting plagiarized work for a course/program assignment; Falsification, fabrication, or dishonesty in conducting or reporting laboratory (research) results; Serving as or asking another student to serve as a substitute (a 'ringer') while taking an exam; Alteration of grades in an effort to change earned credit or a grade; Alteration and/or unauthorized use of University forms or records.

Ethical Conduct Code for OSU/CSEEngineering Career ServicesProfessional Code of Conduct All registrants of Engineering Career Services (ECS) are expected to follow these policies: I understand that my job search is my responsibility and that the role of ECS is to offer support by

providing career guidance and by providing additional links to employers to enhance my opportunities.

I will present my abilities, qualifications, interests, and availability honestly. I understand that any deliberate misrepresentation of this information is illegal and will disqualify me from ECS services. I understand that any special accommodations needed to perform a job must be made known to the ECS Director and employer prior to job acceptance.

Interviews should be scheduled only if there is a genuine interest in a position. Interview cancellations must be made by contacting ECS at least two business days prior to the scheduled interview. Missed interviews result in lost opportunities for other students, and they reflect poorly on OSU. Two unexcused interview absences will result in ineligibility for on-campus interviewing for up to two quarters. A third unexcused interview absence will result in termination of services.

I will no longer pursue other employment opportunities once I have accepted a position, verbally or in writing. I understand that reneging is unprofessional and may be cause for dismissal from ECS.

I will commit to the terms of employment agreed upon between the employer and me. I will report all employment to ECS for data-gathering purposes, regardless of the source of the

position. Engineering Career Services is committed to equal employment opportunity for all persons and

provides services to our students and employers on a nondiscriminatory basis. We also expect all employers to comply with U.S. and Ohio Employment laws.

Mission vs Ethics

What is a mission statement? A mission statement is a brief statement of the purpose of a company, organization. It is ideally used to guide the actions of the organization.

CSE Department Mission StatementThe Department of Computer Science and Engineering will impact the information age as a national leader in computing research and education. We will prepare computing graduates who are highly sought after, productive, and well-respected for their work, and who contribute to new developments in computing. We will give students in other disciplines an appropriate foundation in computing for their education, research, and experiences after graduation, consistent with computing's increasingly fundamental role in society. In our areas of research focus, we will contribute key ideas to the development of the computing basis of the information age, advancing the state of the art for the benefit of society, the State of Ohio, and The Ohio State University. We will work with key academic partners within and outside of OSU, and with key industrial partners, in pursuit of our research and educational endeavors.

Student Suggestion for CSE Code of Ethics

1. All your work, no matter how trivial, should aim to improve yourself, your community, and humanity as a whole.

2. Respect your fellow humans, and do not seek to cause harm with your work. (For example, no viruses.)

3. Do not use computers for theft of others’ work, be it property, money, data, or intellectual content.

4. Do not cause injury through your work, either actively or through negligence

5. Do not falsify data that is to be presented as legitimate data6. Do not use the unjust actions of others the justify your own

unjust actions7. Present your data clearly and accurately, without disguise8. Do not force data on others without their express consent. (For

example, no spam.)9. Seek knowledge about technology, so that you will not cause

harm through ignorance10. Express yourself freely, but do not use your free expression

solely to cause harm. Brian Shannahan, April 2004

Ethics in Computing

Ten (?) Commandments

“Ten Commandments” of Computer Ethics

1. Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people. 2. Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work. 3. Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's computer files. 4. Thou shalt not use a computer to steal. 5. Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness. 6. Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you

have not paid. 7. Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources

without authorization or proper compensation. 8. Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output. 9. Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the

program you are writing or the system you are designing. 10. Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that insure

consideration and respect for your fellow humans.

Computer Ethics Institute, A project of the Brookings Institution

Boy Scout Law TRUSTWORTHY

A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him. LOYAL

A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation. HELPFUL

A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward. FRIENDLY

A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.

COURTEOUS A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to

get along together. KIND

A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.

OBEDIENT A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he

thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.

CHEERFUL A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others

happy. THRIFTY

A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.

BRAVE A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others

laugh at or threaten him. CLEAN

A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.

REVERENT A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

Special Aspects of Professional Ethics

Professional ethics have several characteristics different from general ethics

The professional is an expert in a field that most customers know little about

The products of many professionals profoundly affect large numbers of people

Computer professionals have special responsibilities to their customers and to the general public Ethical rules may be viewed as fundamental and universal, or they may

be viewed as rules we make up to provide a framework in which to interact with other people in a peaceful, productive way.

The professional has a responsibility to maintain an expected level of competence and be up-to-date on professional standards and techniques.

When acting as an employee, professional has a responsibility to the employer

Ethical Problems and Standards for Computer Technology

New technology creates new ethical issues. Many things were not possible in the past, so we did not have to decide what to do about them.

Ethical guidelines need to be developed in certain areas to guide the behavior of individuals and organizations.

Many issues are raised as to the ethical use of the technology as it relates to one’s PRIVACY: If you maintain large database and are permitted to release reports to

businesses with a legitimate business interest, do you verify interest? What about consumers about whom you collect your data?

If you are asked to develop a database, people will be on the lists who did not have a choice, cannot ask each one

We have the ability to search quickly vast amount of information and do computer matching and profiling.

Are we invading privacy of newsgroups for names and messages of participants?

Ethical Problems and Standards for Computer Technology (cont)

How good is good enough? Providers have an ethical responsibility to do a thorough,

careful job when writing their bids or contracts Do not increase harm to the people most vulnerable Do not increase the risk in an already risky situation Software developers and buyers have a responsibility to be

open and honest about capabilities, safety, and limitations of the software in communications with customers, etc. where appropriate

Developers and buyers have an obligation to properly train users. Buyers and users have a responsibility to understand the limitations of the software and its proper operation

Developers and buyers should include users in the planning and testing stages to improve safe functioning of the system.

Ethical Problems and Standards for Computer Technology (cont)

Accountability: Who is responsible? Software developers, buyers and users all have

ethical responsibility for safe and proper functioning of software. If the software itself is faulty, issue of deciding who

within the software development company is responsible.

Some aspects of software generate new problems in assigning responsibility. Disclaimers stating that warranties are not valid if buyer makes any modifications to the product.

Responsibility complicated for decisions systems—guide business and financial decision making

Methodology?

Tools to analyze specific scenarios to determine what actions are ethical? Identify all the people and organizations affected

(stakeholders) When there is a choice of action to take, list as many

possible actions as possible Identify responsibilities of the decision makers and right

of stakeholders Decide which actions are ethically wrong, which are

ethically obligatory, and which are acceptable choices, but not required

If several ethically acceptable options, select an option, considering the ethical merits of each, and so on