Facing the Computer Ethics Dilemma

C. Dianne Martin and David H. Martin

Conclusions

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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