Show a basic understanding of ethics
Show understanding of the need for a professional code of conduct for a computer system developer
Computer ethics deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding their professional and social conduct. These are ideals - they are not governed by law.
A code of ethics has many advantages. They set out the ideals and responsibilities for a profession, which help protect both clients and professionals. They improve the quality of the profession and help motivate and inspire practitioners. Guidance on acceptable conduct and raising awareness of potential issues also help improve the quality and consistency of work.
However there are disadvantages too. As these are not laws, who determines when there has been a violation? What if they are interpreted differently by differently groups and what penalties exist for violations? As these ethics govern a profession worldwide, are they suitable for all cultures and with software development being such a varied area, do they cover all aspects?
A code of ethics in computing is important though. Just think of all the important software that we use these days that controls many aspects of our lives. Computing software is used in air traffic controls and medical systems - the kind of software that could cost lives if it went wrong. Financial systems like banking software could also have a huge impact on lives should there be a problem.
In 1992 the Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics were created by the Computer Ethics Institute. These were written to act as a guide to help people use computers ethically, but many people feel they are too restrictive - especially the hacker community.
The Ten Commandments:
Explain how ethics may impact the role of the computing professional
Read the document below to understand how ethics impact computing professionals.
The original can be found here
Show understanding of the need for a professional code of conduct for a computer system developer
Computer ethics deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding their professional and social conduct. These are ideals - they are not governed by law.
A code of ethics has many advantages. They set out the ideals and responsibilities for a profession, which help protect both clients and professionals. They improve the quality of the profession and help motivate and inspire practitioners. Guidance on acceptable conduct and raising awareness of potential issues also help improve the quality and consistency of work.
However there are disadvantages too. As these are not laws, who determines when there has been a violation? What if they are interpreted differently by differently groups and what penalties exist for violations? As these ethics govern a profession worldwide, are they suitable for all cultures and with software development being such a varied area, do they cover all aspects?
A code of ethics in computing is important though. Just think of all the important software that we use these days that controls many aspects of our lives. Computing software is used in air traffic controls and medical systems - the kind of software that could cost lives if it went wrong. Financial systems like banking software could also have a huge impact on lives should there be a problem.
In 1992 the Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics were created by the Computer Ethics Institute. These were written to act as a guide to help people use computers ethically, but many people feel they are too restrictive - especially the hacker community.
The Ten Commandments:
- Do not use a computer to harm others
- Do not interfere with other people's computer work.
- Do not snoop around in other people's computer files.
- Do not use a computer to steal.
- Do not use a computer to bear false witness
- Do not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid.
- Do not use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.
- Do not appropriate other people's intellectual output.
- Do think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing.
- Do always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for your fellow humans.
Explain how ethics may impact the role of the computing professional
Read the document below to understand how ethics impact computing professionals.
The original can be found here
Show understanding of the eight principles listed in the ACM/IEEE Software Engineering Code of Ethics
The eight principles:
This is a short version of the code of ethics. The full version can be read here.
Demonstrate the relevance of these principles to some typical software developer workplace scenarios
The eight principles:
- PUBLIC - Software engineers shall act consistently with the public interest.
- CLIENT AND EMPLOYER - Software engineers shall act in a manner that is in the best interests of their client and employer consistent with the public interest.
- PRODUCT - Software engineers shall ensure that their products and related modifications meet the highest professional standards possible.
- JUDGMENT - Software engineers shall maintain integrity and independence in their professional judgment.
- MANAGEMENT - Software engineering managers and leaders shall subscribe to and promote an ethical approach to the management of software development and maintenance.
- PROFESSION - Software engineers shall advance the integrity and reputation of the profession consistent with the public interest.
- COLLEAGUES - Software engineers shall be fair to and supportive of their colleagues.
- SELF - Software engineers shall participate in lifelong learning regarding the practice of their profession and shall promote an ethical approach to the practice of the profession.
This is a short version of the code of ethics. The full version can be read here.
Demonstrate the relevance of these principles to some typical software developer workplace scenarios
Software being released 'unfinished' is becoming more and more common - Ubisoft apologises for Assassin's Creed Unity bugs
Ethics of Computer Games
A number of different computing software cases
Three fictional computer ethical scenarios
Ethics of Computer Games
A number of different computing software cases
Three fictional computer ethical scenarios