Integrating Computer Ethics into the Computer Science Curriculum**

Keith Miller

• Introduction
• Can Computer Ethics Be Taught in the Computer Science Curriculum?
• Technical Concerns, Ethical Questions
  • CS 1: Computer Programming I
  • CS 2: Computer Programming II
  • CS 3: Introduction to Computer Systems
  • CS 4: Introduction to Computer Organizations
  • CS 5: Introduction to File Processing
  • CS 6: Operating Systems and Computer Architecture I
  • CS 7: Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis
  • CS 8: Organization of Programming Languages
• Sources of Information
  • Books
  • Collections of Articles
  • Periodicals
• Conclusions
• Acknowledgments
• References

CS 6: Operating Systems and Computer Architecture I

• Technical concept: Operating systems make the resources of a machine available through a high level interface.

Students are encouraged to think critically about the features of various operating systems in CS 6. Often students are struck as much by the similarities between operating systems as the differences

• Example case: The look and feel of an operating system

A small software firm is developing an operating system for an announced microcomputer. Because their time is short, the decision is made to borrow heavily from existing operating system designs in developing their product. At one point, the team leader insists that some command names be altered to avoid legal problems. Citing the similarities between MS-DOS, UNIX, and many UNlX-like operating systems, one member of the team suggests that any correspondence between the new system and these older systems will help orient users to the new system, and that the new system will still be significantly different from previous systems.

• Ethical question: When is sharing ideas stealing products?

The legal issues involved with two programs that have the same “look and feel” are still being resolved in the courts. Today, however, computer professionals have to make decisions based not only on legal concerns but also on what they believe to be right. In the case above, what obligations do team members have to their team leader and their company? What obligations does the team leader have to his team members and to the company? What obligations, if any, are owed to the developers of the operating systems that are serving as the basis of the new system? If developers are more restricted in emulating the look and feel of previously marketed software, who will benefit? If developers are less restricted, who will benefit?

Go to: CS 7: Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis

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