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Facing the Computer Ethics Dilemma
C. Dianne Martin and David H. Martin
- Abstract
- Computer Ethics in the Social Context
- Professional Codes of Ethics and Conduct
- Proposed IFIP International Code of Ethics
- Ethics in the Context of a Profession
- Ethics Without Sanctions
- Computer Ethics Education
- Conclusions
- References
Computer technology is particularly powerful due to its
potential to change how we think about ourselves as human beings, how
we make decisions in governance and social policy, and how we save and
communicate knowledge. Yet, our analysis of the professional codes of
conduct reveals that they are still inadequate to deal with emerging technological
issues resulting from advancements in the computer field. There appears
to be a lack of focus in the computer field in integrating ethical behavior
into professional practice. While not wishing to be alarmists, we are
suggesting that there needs to be a concerted effort on the part of the
all the computer professional societies to revise their ethical codes
and to incorporate a process of continual self-assessment with formal
procedures for reporting suspected improper practices, the availability
of due process considerations, and the use of sanctions and possible disciplinary
actions (IEEE, 1981).
Because of the sensational media reporting of computer-related irregularities
and because of the possible far-reaching consequences of computer abuse,
the computer field is coming under increasing scrutiny at all levels of
government. To prevent the government from imposing inflexible regulations
that might retard computer research and development, the professional
societies should take proactive measures toward self-regulation. Since
ethical standards are by their very nature “normative,” our
precepts for computer ethics will change as new ethical challenges arise
from new computer technology. The fact that we are discussing ethics in
the context of human-human and human-machine interactions
will require some innovative ways to apply ethical principles, but it
is necessary task to be undertaken if we are to mature into a true profession.
The George Washington University
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