Ethics in Computing (SAQ 6-1)

Self Assessment Questions 6-1

Three precepts on computer use

Precept: Thou shalt not use a computer to steal

Stealing according to Webster's dictionary is to take the property of another wrongfully. Reading all the ethical concepts as well as the ethical theories presented, Stealing may be in congruent with the idea of utilitarianism as far as the agent is concerned however stealing for its own sake or as a mean toward other ends would generally violate moral principle and norms in computing even to the point where stealing is performed with the will in mind to extend moral duty. This precept therefore, it formulated to ensure that our works in computing would be harmonious and orderly, not because stealing is judgmentally immoral but it is a principle to most likely to put things in order. My own interpretation with of act of stealing can be viewed as unethical because an agent fails to consider his capacity to reason in accordance with his moral and intellectual virtue.

Precept: Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you write

Writing program with the social consequences in mind is an act that illustrates human rationality of what is good or bad. When we weigh the outcomes and impact of an our planned actions to others or the society in general, then we are simply exercising our moral and intellectual virtue which according to Aristotle what separates us from other beings. A moral agent who makes a program without violating moral principles in computing and he knows it is for the welfare of society makes an act of moral worth.

Precept: Thou shalt use a computer in ways that show consideration and respect

I think this precept almost encompass directly or indirectly every other precept mentioned. In respecting others interest , one would should refrain to use computers with intent to harm others; to snoop other person's privacy; to infringe other people's output and the like.

Ethical issues in computing and their ethical in nature.

Café operators allowing minors to surf freely the internet.

This is a computing issue that raises multiple questions of morality on a worldwide scale. Free access to internet resource exposes children to the world with borderless boundaries and limits. While undoubtedly, the internet is the power resource for useful information, chat rooms and similar services has also been the avenue for unscrupulous individuals who exploit and young especially women. To mention few of the immoral conducts resulting from this computer issue are child trafficking, rape, pornography, child abuse and the like. This is an issue that can not be resolve easily without interventions among the players involved. Again coming up with a resolution can be difficult since the players involved may have contradicting views of morality. Each has their own ends and priorities pursued.

Software piracy

It is defined as the unauthorized use of another's production, invention, or conception especially in infringement of a copyright. In the Philippines, software piracy of any media is very rampant. While everyone seems to condemn piracy as results our previous survey showed, it seemed we lack the actions that justify our denouncement of piracy. In my opinion, this is a play between man's desiring elements against our tendency to obey our capacity to rationalize to what we ought to do. We succumb to follow the desiring elements which is to avail cheap software because we rationalize that the enforcement of our laws is very loose. This is an ethical issue simply because people seem not to put value on the protection of intellectual property rights. Worst is the case in China were government as an institution almost silently condone piracy.

Legislation governing computer use

I am favor for a legislation that will govern everything that relates to computing. However, this legislation must take into account the welfare of the general populace. This is a legislation that should not be left by a few group people in legislative sector but as a result of continuous consensus among different sectors involves in the use of computers. I suppose this is not one step process but constant consultation among the concerned parties because the realms of ethical issues in computing is continually changing as new technologies come out. The ethics of computing which acccording to Kocikowska and Johnson, will disappear as a mere branch of ethics. It will eventually break up from the usual notion of ethics because of the ever-growing issues that arise for every new technology introduced and thus a continuous work of advocacy/consultation.