Computer Ethics

The advent of computers and the Internet has changed the way we communicate, learn, and do business. It has created new dynamics and interactions and with it, new ethical dilemmas.

The first time ethics as in 'Computer Ethics' is mentioned was in 1976 by a professor at Bowling Green State University by the name of Dr. Walter Maner. However, the concept had existed as early as the 1950s, when MIT professor Robert Weiner published a book titled 'Cybernetics'.

It's a theory of practical philosophy that takes a look at what developers and users can do with computers, contrasted to what they should. It also analyzes the moral and social acceptability of actions that happen strictly online, but can also have offline repercussions.

For example, Google keeps a record of every search you have done, when you did that search, and what links you clicked. So, the ethical dilemma becomes if it's morally justifiable or socially tolerable that one company can have such access to something you consider being a private activity. Can the fact it may help identify and capture dangerous criminals make it acceptable?

Similarly, the download of music or other copyrighted media is a heavily contested issue of computer ethics. Is it acceptable for a person to permanently share a music track with a friend, or does it constitute theft as argued by the music industry? If it does constitute theft, is the responsibility with the one who shared, the one who received, or the online service?

Computer ethics is not a clear cut set of values, by any stretch. While some organizations have published basic standards and codes of ethics, the field itself is more a branch of philosophical thought than a list of industry accepted principles.

What is ethical computing?

Ethical computing is a system of moral principles a person should follow while using a computer at their home, school, and office. The Computer Ethics Institute has developed the following Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics that can be used as guidelines of how to remain ethical when using your computer.

Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics

Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.

Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work.

Thou shalt

not snoop around in other people's computer files.

Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.

Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.

Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software that you have not purchased.

Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.

Thou shalt not appropriate other people’s intellectual output.

Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing.

Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that insure consideration and respect for your fellow humans.

What is an Operating System? » Computer Shortcut Keys and their Functions » Keyboard Function Keys » Computer Basics - Hardware - Software - Parts

Short Stories for Kids - Moral Stories – English Short Stories for Children - Moral Stories for Kids - Stories for Kids - Funny Story for Kids - Scary Stories for Kids - Really Funny Short Stories - Bedtime Stories
Proverb Stories
Powerful Motivational Quotes for Students » Success Quotes » English Short Stories for Kids

Cabin Crew Jobs & Career Advice » Secretary Job Description » Receptionist Job Description » Top 100 Interview Questions and Answers » How to Prepare for an Interview » How to Write a CV » How to Choose a Career » Computer Shortcut Keys and their Functions

Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Computer Basics FAQ.

Army Jobs - Navy Jobs - Military Jobs

Scholarship 2024/25

Current Scholarships 2024/2025 - Fully Funded

Full Undergraduate Scholarships 2024/2025

Fully Funded Masters Scholarships 2024/25

PhD Scholarships for International Students - Fully Funded!

Funding Opportunities for Journalists 2024/2025

Funding for NGOs 2024/2025

Funding for Artists 2024/2025

Funding for Entrepreneurs 2024/2025

✅Over 4500 Current Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students

✅ Undergraduate Scholarships 2024

✅ Masters Scholarships 2024

✅ PhD Scholarships 2024 Click Here!

Free Scholarship Newsletter --- E-mail Address

First Name

Then Don't worry — your e-mail address is totally secure. I promise to use it only to send you Advance Africa Newsletter.