Keith Mack
The concept of computer ethics was first introduced in the 1940s by MIT professor Norbert Wiener, an American mathematician and philosopher. In 1973, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) adopted its first code of ethics, marking a significant step towards establishing ethical guidelines for the use of computers. The term computer ethics was coined by Walter Maner, a professor at Bowling Green State University, who recognized the complex ethical challenges that arose with the increasing integration of technology and computers in various fields. The Computer Ethics Institute, established as a public policy group, played a pivotal role in formulating the Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics in 1992. These commandments provided a concise and widely referenced framework for ethical behavior in the realm of computer usage.
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What You'll Learn
The first code of ethics
The concept of computer ethics was first introduced in the 1940s by MIT professor Norbert Wiener, an American mathematician and philosopher. Wiener and his fellow engineers developed a system of communication between anti-aircraft artillery components while working on them during World War II. This marked the beginning of discussions around the ethical implications of computer technology.
In the mid-1960s, public concern grew over computer-enabled invasions of privacy by government agencies, leading to proposed privacy legislation and the enactment of new privacy and computer crime laws in America and Europe by the mid-1970s. During this time, Donn Parker, an author on computer crimes, proposed to the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) that they adopt a code of ethics for their members. In 1973, the ACM adopted its first code of ethics, which was developed by a committee headed by Parker. This code was revised in the early 1980s and again in the early 1990s.
In 1976, Walter Maner, a professor at Bowling Green State University, coined the term "computer ethics" when he noticed that ethical decisions became more complex when computers were involved. That same year, Joseph Weizenbaum published the book "Computer Power and Human Reason," which discussed the benefits of artificial intelligence but cautioned against allowing it to make important decisions due to its lack of human qualities.
In 1983, Terrell Ward Bynum, a professor of philosophy at Southern Connecticut State University, developed a curriculum for a university course on computer ethics. Bynum's work, along with that of other pioneers in the field, laid the foundation for the ongoing development of computer ethics and the creation of ethical guidelines for the use of computer technology.
In 1992, the Washington, D.C.-based Computer Ethics Institute introduced the Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics, a widely quoted set of standards to guide people in the ethical use of computers. These commandments include principles such as "Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people," "Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness," and "Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing."
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The conceptual foundations
The term "computer ethics" was coined in 1976 by Walter Maner, a professor at Bowling Green State University. Maner observed that ethical decisions became more complex and challenging when technology and computers were involved. He proposed a new branch of ethics specifically for dealing with computers.
In 1973, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) adopted its first code of ethics, led by a committee headed by SRI International's Donn Parker, an author on computer crimes. This code was developed in response to the absence of ethical standards regarding the use of computers and related issues, which had caused some problems as computers became increasingly prevalent in society. The ACM Code was revised in the early 1980s and again in the early 1990s to keep up with the rapidly evolving nature of computer technology and its ethical implications.
In 1983, the journal Metaphilosophy held an essay contest on the topic of computer ethics, publishing the winning essays in a special issue in 1985. This further contributed to the growing field of computer ethics and brought attention to the need for ethical guidelines in the use of computer technology.
The development of computer ethics as a field continued with the publication of the first major computer ethics textbook by Deborah G. Johnson, a professor of Applied Ethics. Johnson's textbook identified major issues for research in computer ethics, influencing the field for over a decade after its publication.
In 1992, the Washington, D.C.-based Computer Ethics Institute created the Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics, a widely quoted set of standards to guide people in the ethical use of computers. These commandments include principles such as "Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people," "Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness," and "Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing."
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Computer ethics in academia
The concept of computer ethics was first introduced in the 1940s by MIT professor Norbert Wiener, an American mathematician and philosopher. In 1973, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) adopted its first code of ethics, which was revised in the 1980s and 1990s. The ACM Code of Ethics holds computing professionals to a standard of using their skills for the benefit of society and outlines fundamental ethical principles that should guide their conduct.
In academia, computer ethics is a field of study that investigates the ethical issues arising from the use of computer technology. It involves the development of ethical guidelines and policies for the use and regulation of computer technology, addressing concerns such as privacy, security, free expression, content control, intellectual property, and moral responsibility.
One notable contribution to the field of computer ethics in academia is the work of Deborah G. Johnson, a professor of Applied Ethics and chair of the Department of Science, Technology, and Society at the University of Virginia. Johnson's textbook on computer ethics identified major research issues and influenced the field for over a decade. Terrell Ward Bynum, a professor of philosophy at Southern Connecticut State University, also contributed significantly by developing a curriculum for a university course on computer ethics and editing a special issue of the journal Metaphilosophy dedicated to the topic.
Another important aspect of computer ethics in academia is the discussion around the global impact of computer ethics. Krystyna Górniak-Kocikowska, a professor of philosophy at Southern Connecticut State University, proposed that computer ethics would become a global ethical system, eventually replacing traditional ethics as the standard of the information age. This idea, known as the Górniak hypothesis, was challenged by Deborah Johnson in her 1999 ETHICOMP paper, where she argued that computer ethics would instead influence and be influenced by existing ethical frameworks.
The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics, created in 1992 by the Computer Ethics Institute, provide a widely recognised set of standards for the ethical use of computers. These commandments include principles such as "Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people", "Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness", and "Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you write".
Overall, computer ethics in academia involves the study and development of ethical frameworks, policies, and guidelines for the responsible use of computer technology, with the aim of addressing societal concerns and promoting the benefit of society as a whole.
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Computer ethics in law
The concept of computer ethics was first introduced in the 1940s by MIT professor Norbert Wiener, an American mathematician and philosopher. In 1973, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) adopted its first code of ethics, which was revised in the 1980s and 1990s. This code was developed by a committee led by SRI International's Donn Parker, an author on computer crimes, after he noticed an increase in computer-aided bank robberies and other crimes.
In 1976, Walter Maner, a professor at Bowling Green State University, coined the term "computer ethics" when he noticed that ethical decisions became more complex and challenging with the involvement of technology and computers. Maner's work sparked further exploration in the field, with Joseph Weizenbaum publishing "Computer Power and Human Reason" in the same year, discussing the benefits and limitations of artificial intelligence.
The Computer Ethics Institute, a public policy group, developed the Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics in 1992. These commandments provide a set of standards to guide individuals in the ethical use of computers, covering various topics such as privacy, security, free expression, equity, and intellectual property. The commandments include:
- Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.
- Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.
- Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid.
- Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization.
- Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or designing.
In addition to these general guidelines, there are also laws and regulations in place to govern the use of computer technology. For example, the United States Congress passed the Small Business Computer Security and Education Act in 1984, focusing on computer security for small businesses. As computers became integral to society, discussions on computer ethics led to the formulation of laws and policies at the national and international levels to address issues such as computer crimes and fraud.
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The future of computer ethics
The first code of ethics for computers was established in 1973 by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). This code of ethics was developed by a committee led by SRI International's Donn Parker, an author on computer crimes. The ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct ("the Code") is designed to inspire and guide the ethical conduct of all computing professionals, including current and aspiring practitioners, instructors, students, influencers, and anyone who uses computing technology in an impactful way.
One area of concern is algorithmic biases and fairness in automated decision-making. As AI systems become more advanced, there is a risk that they may inherit biases from their training data or algorithms, leading to unfair or discriminatory decisions. Computer ethics will play a crucial role in addressing these biases and ensuring that AI systems are accountable for their actions.
Another area of interest is AI safety and alignment. As AI systems become more powerful, there is a need to ensure that they remain safe and aligned with human values and ethical principles. Computer ethics will help guide the development and deployment of AI systems to mitigate potential risks and ensure they are used responsibly.
Additionally, computer ethics will likely continue to evolve to address emerging technologies and their impact on society. This includes the consideration of technological unemployment, the influence of technology on our socioeconomic ecosystem, and the potential for an arms race or existential risks associated with advanced AI systems.
To promote ethical conduct in the field of computing, organizations like ABET offer ethical accreditation to University or College applications in fields such as applied and natural sciences, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. The future of computer ethics will likely involve a continued emphasis on education and the development of ethical frameworks to guide the responsible use of technology.
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Frequently asked questions
In 1973, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) adopted its first code of ethics. SRI International's Donn Parker, an author on computer crimes, led the committee that developed the code.
In 1976, medical teacher and researcher Walter Maner noticed that ethical decisions are much harder to make when computers are involved. He coined the term "computer ethics" and published a book titled "Computer Power and Human Reason", which discussed how artificial intelligence should never be allowed to make important decisions as it does not possess human qualities.
The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics were created in 1992 by the Washington, D.C.-based Computer Ethics Institute. They include guidelines such as "Thou Shalt Not Use A Computer To Harm Other People", "Thou Shalt Not Interfere With Other People’s Computer Work", and "Thou Shalt Think About The Social Consequences Of The Program You Are Writing Or The System You Are Designing".
