A Conceptual Framework for Computer Ethics

Norberto Patrignani

Introduction

This paper addresses the challenging issue of designing a conceptual framework for Computer Ethics. Since its very first definition [1] Computer Ethics has been a fast changing subject with several directions of research: those that consider computing just another area where philosophy has to contribute with the classical tools [2], those that consider it as a necessary new field of study [3], others see it from an historical point of view and backdate its foundation to Norbert Wiener [4] [5]. This paper aims at describing Computer Ethics by means of a conceptual framework based on an 'applied ethics' approach. Whilst this "bottom-up" approach has not the ambition of re-defining the nature of Computer Ethics, it can be useful for describing the many areas of impact of computers on society and as a map for case analysis while teaching Computer Ethics.


This framework can be simply described by its two dimensions: the vertical dimension (the "layers") and the horizontal dimension (the "domains").

Vertical "Layers"

The vertical "layers" represent the several areas potentially impacted by computers: from the physical world (Planet, Biosphere, People) to the virtual world (Infosphere, Cyberspace, Ideas). A brief description of these "layers" follows:

Horizontal "Domains"

The horizontal "domains" illustrated by ellipses with areas in proportion with the importance or potential impact. Their vertical position describes the layers covered by that domain. These domains represent the collection of critical issues created or aggravated by computers. Let's shortly describe each "domain":

These "critical issues" must be addressed at many levels: at individual, professional and societal level; a special role is played by Computer professionals in defining their code of ethics and in informing the public and decision makers about the potentialities and the limits of information technology [21].

In Italy several universities are starting to introduce Computer Ethics courses and we hope this will contribute to the process of growing a new generation of computer professionals, people that will be technology experts aware of the social and ethical implications of information technology.

References

[1] Maner W., "Starter Kit on Teaching Computer Ethics", Helvetia Press, 1980

[2] Johnson D., "Computer Ethics", Prentice-Hall, 1994

[3] Maner W., "Unique Ethical Problems in Information Technology", ETHICOMP95

[4] Ward Bynum T., "The Foundation of Computer Ethics", AICEC99

[5] Wiener N., "The Human Use of Human Beings: Cybernetics and Society", Houghton Mifflin, 1950

[6] Gibson W., "Neuromancer", Ace Books, 1984

[7] De Chardin T., "The Phenomenon of Man", Harper Perennial 1976

[8] Castells M., "The Rise of the Network Society, Blackwell, 1996

[9] Levy P., "Collective Intelligence: Mankind's Emerging World in Cyberspace", Perseus, 1999

[10] WSIS, World Summit on Information Society, "Geneva Declaration of Principles", 2003

[11] CPSR, Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility, Proc. Participatory Design Conf., MIT, 1992

[12] Koyle K., "Access. not just wires", CPSR Annual meeting, October 1994

[13] Lessig L., "The future of ideas", Random House, 2003

[14] Levy S., "Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution", Anchor Press/Doubleday, 1984

[15] Lyon D., "Electronic Eye: The Rise of Surveillance Society", University of Minnesota Press, 1994

[16] Forester T., Morrison P., "Computer Ethics, Cautionary Tales and Ethical Dilemmas in Comp, MIT, 1993

[17] Neumann P.G., "Computer-Related Risks", Addison-Wesley, 1994

[18] Joy B., "Why the future doesn't need us", Wired 8.04, 2000

[19] Bellin D., Chapman G., "Computers in Battle: Will They Work?", Harcourt, 1987

[20] EU Directive 2003/108/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

[21] Gotterbarn D., "Informatics and Professional Responsibility", in "Computer Ethics and Professional Responsibility" (ed. by Ward Bynum T. and Rogerson S.), Blackwell Publishing, 2004.