Module 2 - Ethics
Module 2 - Objectives
| Identify personal and professional responsibilities of computer users. |
| Describe government rules and regulation of computer usage. |
| Describe the impacts of computing on society and the environment. |
Introduction :
Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with issues of morality, that is, consideration of which human actions and reactions are morally right and wrong.
Why This Matters
It is important to make intelligent decisions from an ethical perspective about the actions that we take—that is, to consider whether our actions feel right or wrong to us and why. These actions range in scope from personal actions to the actions of our businesses and organizations, the actions of our governments, and ultimately the actions of our species. Digital technologies have provided new opportunities and dangers for our species and many new ethical considerations.
Required Readings
Computer ethics refers to the responsible use of computers in all contexts and applications, by individuals, organizations, and governments.
Dewaele J. (2017, April 7). Computer Ethics [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRfYKwFEMdY&feature=youtu.be
It is easy to forget that computers and their users do not exist in a vacuum;; every action involving computers, from the time they are designed and manufactured until they are decommissioned and disposed of, involves choices that impact society and the environment in significant ways.
Government rules and regulations are intended to balance the needs of citizens and business for freedom, opportunity, and security.
The rapid pace of change in the digital economy poses an acute challenge to lawmakers responsible for protecting citizens and businesses from threats on the Internet. Additionally, the complexity and interconnectedness of digital technology means that there are seldom simple answers to difficult questions, and any legislation designed to address those questions will necessarily be a compromise between conflicting interests.
Social and environmental impacts refer to the consequences of computer use beyond the immediate context in which they are used, specifically the indirect effects on society and the world in which we live.
"No Fishing" by Bruce Berrien is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Billions of digital devices are manufactured and used annually, which means that small changes to their design can have significant effects on the environment and society. Manufacturers who make a commitment to reducing their use of toxic materials and incorporating recycled components can eliminate tons of pollutants. Designers who incorporate accessibility features empower computer users who would otherwise be excluded from the benefits of digital technology.
Online Discussion Forum
- What was the main point of this module?
- What was the most surprising concept that you encountered during the module?
- Respond to at least 3 of your colleagues, see what you have in common.
This work, “Module 2 - Ethics", is a derivative of "Introduction to Computing Reading & Learning Objectives” by OpenNow from Cengage, used under CC BY. "Module 2 – Ethics" is licensed under CC BY by Carlos Julien. 