Computers, Ethics, and Society

by Ermann, M. David; Shauf, Michele S.

• ISBN13: 9780195143027
• ISBN10: 0195143027
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-11-14
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

In today's world, computers can have complex and contradictory effects on human life. They can enhance our quality of life by creating access to previously unimagined worlds. On the other hand, as computers become increasingly important in our everyday lives, their potential to strip away ourprivacy and autonomy increases exponentially. Computers, Ethics, and Society, now in its third edition, offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary set of readings on the ethical and social implications of computer technology. Taking into account technological, social, and philosophical issues, thecontributors consider topics such as the work-related ramifications of automation, the ethical obligations of computer specialists, and the threats to privacy that come with increased computerization. Thoroughly up-to-date in its coverage, this collection includes articles on specific ethical dilemmas related to contemporary issues and events. Essays new to the third edition cover such topics as cyber-terrorism, the ethics of downloading music from Internet sites, and the question of whetherhuman beings may someday be "replaced" by artificial intelligence and computer technology. An ideal text for sociology, philosophy, and computer science courses, Computers, Ethics, and Society, 3/e, reminds students that although technology has the potential to improve or undermine our quality oflife, societal forces ultimately have the power to decide how computers will affect our lives.

Author Biography

M. David Ermann is Professor of Sociology at the University of Delaware Michele S. Shauf is a scholar of graphics visualization and usability. She is currently employed in the private sector

Table of Contents

Preface	vi
I. Ethical Contexts
Philosophical Ethics
The Best Action Is the One with the Best Consequences	3	(9)
John Hospers
The Best Action Is the One in Accord with Universal Rules	12	(4)
James Rachels
The Best Action Is the One That Exercises the Mind's Faculties	16	(7)
Aristotle
Professional Ethics
ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct	23	(8)
Association for Computing Machinery
Using the ACM Code	31	(11)
Ronald E. Anderson
Deborah G. Johnson
Donald Gotterbarm
Judith Perolle
Can We Find a Single Ethical Code?	42	(5)
Robert N. Barger
The Morality of Whistle-Blowing	47	(8)
Sissela Bok
The Ethics of Systems Design	55	(9)
Batya Friedman
Peter H. Kahn, Jr.
Are Hacker Break-ins Ethical?	64	(10)
Eugene H. Spafford
Using Computers as Means, Not Ends	74	(11)
Herbert L. Dreyfus
Stuart E. Dreyfus
Tom Athanasiou
II. Historical and Cultural Contexts
Technology Is a Tool of the Powerful	85	(6)
Phillip Bereano
A History of the Personal Computer	91	(10)
Robert Pool
Informing Ourselves to Death	101	(9)
Neil Postman
Why the Future Doesn't Need Us	110	(13)
Bill Joy
Boolean Logic	123	(14)
Michael Heim
III. Social Contexts
Privacy in a Database Nation	137	(16)
Simson Garfinkel
The GNU Manifesto	153	(9)
Richard M. Stallman
Crossing the Digital Divide	162	(9)
Jessica Brown
Gender Bias in Instructional Technology	171	(13)
Katy Campbell
Computers and the Work Experience	184	(6)
Anthony M. Townsend
Information Technologies and Our Changing Economy	190	(12)
Martin Carnoy
Music: Intellectual Property's Canary in the Digital Coal Mine	202	(12)
National Research Council
The Case for Collective Violence	214	(17)
Craig Summers
Eric Markusen
Activism, Hacktivism, and Cyberterrorism	231
Dorothy E. Denning