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Computer Ethics

Computers are having, and will continue to have, a tremendous effect on the character of the world in which we live. "The computerisation of society will better serve humanity if the individuals who design, build, monitor, and use computers are aware of the social and ethical implications, and acknowledge some responsibility (collectively and/or individually) for the ways in which computers are used in our society" (Johnson and Miller 1995).

Dealing with moral issues is often perplexing. How, exactly, should be thought through an ethical issue? What questions should be asked? What factors should be considered? "The first step in analysing moral issues is obvious but not always easy: Get the facts. Some moral issues create controversies simply because we do not bother to check the facts. The first step, although obvious, is also among the most important and the most frequently overlooked" (Velasquez et al.1996).

Larry Colero (1997) mentioned if there is a set of ethical principles that applied to all cultures, philosophies, faiths and professions, it could provide a universally useful framework to trigger our conscience and guide our decisions. Unfortunately, this kind of ethical principles set is not discovered yet or doesn’t exist. However, there are some useful tools for ethical decision making.

"As the set of people using computers becomes larger and less cohesive, it is becoming more and more important to educate users about their ethical responsibilities" (Covington 1995). Computer ethics education has to cover ethical theories as well as provide the computer professional with analytical skills to face ethical dilemmas.