Computer Ethics

Question 1

What is computing ethics?

Answer 1

Computing ethics is the field of applied ethics that examines and sets ethical guidelines for the use and development of computing technology, focusing on the impact on society and individuals.

Question 2

Why is computing ethics important?

Answer 2

Computing ethics is important because it helps navigate moral dilemmas and ethical issues arising from the rapid development and integration of technology in society, ensuring technology benefits humanity without causing harm.

Question 3

Name some key areas covered under computing ethics.

Answer 3

Key areas include data privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property rights, algorithmic bias, artificial intelligence ethics, and the digital divide.

Question 4

What is data privacy in the context of computing ethics?

Answer 4

Data privacy involves ensuring that personal and sensitive information collected by technology is protected from unauthorized access, misuse, and breaches.

Question 5

What ethical issues are associated with artificial intelligence (AI)?

Answer 5

Ethical issues in AI include bias in algorithms, lack of transparency, accountability in decision-making, and potential job displacement due to automation.

Question 6

What is the digital divide?

Answer 6

The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who do not, which can exacerbate social and economic inequalities.

Question 7

How does cybersecurity relate to computing ethics?

Answer 7

Cybersecurity focuses on protecting computer systems and networks from cyber attacks, ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data, which is essential for ethical computing practices.

Question 8

What is algorithmic bias?

Answer 8

Algorithmic bias occurs when algorithms produce biased or unfair outcomes, often due to flawed data, leading to discrimination and inequality in areas such as hiring, lending, and law enforcement.

Question 9

What role do intellectual property rights play in computing ethics?

Answer 9

Intellectual property rights protect creators’ rights over their inventions, software, and digital content, ensuring fair use and preventing unauthorized copying and distribution.

Question 10

What are some principles of ethical computing?

Answer 10

Principles include ensuring user privacy, promoting inclusivity and accessibility, maintaining transparency in technology, preventing harm, and being accountable for technological impacts.

Question 11

What is a policy vacuum in the context of computer ethics?

Answer 11

A policy vacuum occurs when new capabilities provided by computer technology give rise to situations with no existing policies or where current policies are inadequat

Question 12

What is a conceptual vacuum in computer ethics?

Answer 12

A conceptual vacuum arises when a new problem created by computer technology lacks a clear conceptual framework, making it difficult to formulate appropriate policies.

Question 13

What are the three kinds of invisibility in computer operations that have ethical significance?

Answer 13

The three kinds of invisibility are: invisible abuse, invisible programming values, and invisible complex calculations.

Question 14

What is an example of invisible abuse in computer ethics?

Answer 14

An example of invisible abuse is a programmer secretly transferring fractions of a cent from many transactions into their own account, a case of theft facilitated by the invisibility of computer operations.

Question 15

How can programming values be invisible and ethically significant?

Answer 15

Programming values are the implicit decisions and judgments made by programmers that are embedded in the software, which can introduce biases and influence outcomes without being explicitly visible.

Question 16

Why are invisible complex calculations ethically significant?

Answer 16

Invisible complex calculations, such as those used in critical areas like military decisions, are significant because they may be too complex for humans to fully understand, raising questions about trust and accountability.

Question 17

How can computer technology be used for invisible abuse in surveillance?

Answer 17

Computers can discreetly monitor employee activities, phone calls, and electronic mail, raising ethical concerns about privacy and consent.

Question 18

What is the Computer Revolution according to the document?

Answer 18

The Computer Revolution refers to the transformation of human activities and social institutions due to the extensive application of computer technology, leading to new ethical and policy challenges.

Question 19

How does computer technology challenge traditional educational values?

Answer 19

How does computer technology challenge traditional educational values?

Question 20

What topics are covered under the ethics of computing technology?

Answer 20

Policy vacuums and the need for new policies in response to technological advances.

Conceptual frameworks for understanding new ethical dilemmas.

Privacy and surveillance issues.

Intellectual property rights and the ethical use of software.

The influence of implicit programming values.

Accountability in complex computational processes.

The broad societal impacts of the Computer Revolution, such as changes in work, education, and social interactions.

Question 21

What can you say about the intellectual property status of computer programs?

Answer 21

The intellectual property status of computer programs is a complex issue, as computer programs can be seen as both functional tools and creative works. This dual nature raises questions about how they should be protected under intellectual property laws, which traditionally distinguish between inventions (patentable) and artistic creations (copyrightable).

Question 22

Should copyright and patent policies and laws apply to computer programs?

Answer 22

Yes, copyright and patent policies should apply to computer programs, but with careful consideration of their unique characteristics. Copyright can protect the expression of a program (the code itself), while patents can cover novel and non-obvious functional aspects. However, applying these laws requires a nuanced approach to balance innovation with fair use and access

Question 23

What are the roles and influences of values in computing ethics?

Answer 23

Values play a crucial role in computing ethics, influencing decisions at multiple levels:

Programmers embed their own values in software design and development, often implicitly.
The use of computer technology can reflect and reinforce societal values.
Ethical evaluations of computer technology must consider both technical capabilities and the broader social values they affect.

Question 24

The author claims that “scientific information is crucial in ethical evaluations and that many times ethical disputes turn not on disagreements about values but on disagreements about facts.” What does this mean?

Answer 24

This statement means that resolving ethical disputes often requires accurate and comprehensive scientific information about the technology in question. Ethical disagreements may arise from misunderstandings or lack of knowledge about the facts rather than fundamental value differences. Therefore, clear and detailed scientific information is essential for informed ethical decision-making.

Question 25

What is special about computers and what makes computer technology different from other technology?

Answer 25

Computers are special because of their “logical malleability,” which means they can be programmed to perform virtually any task that can be described logically. This flexibility distinguishes them from other technologies that have more fixed functions. Additionally, computers can process vast amounts of information quickly and accurately, transforming a wide range of activities and industries.

Question 26

What can you say about “logical malleability” and the computer revolution?

Answer 26

Logical malleability refers to the ability of computers to be programmed for a wide variety of tasks, making them incredibly versatile tools.

his malleability is a key factor driving the Computer Revolution, as it allows computers to continuously evolve and adapt to new applications, fundamentally transforming industries and societal functions.

Question 27

What is invisible abuse and what contemporary examples can you give of this?

Answer 27

Invisible abuse involves unethical actions facilitated by the hidden nature of computer operations, making them difficult to detect. Contemporary examples include:

Data breaches where sensitive information is stolen without users’ knowledge.
Algorithmic bias in AI systems leading to unfair treatment or discrimination without transparency.
Financial fraud through unauthorized transactions that are hard to trace.

Question 28

. Is the author’s concept of the “invisibility factor” related to explainability? How?

Answer 28

Yes, the invisibility factor is related to explainability. The invisibility factor highlights how certain aspects of computer operations, such as programming values and complex calculations, are not easily visible or understandable to users.

Explainability addresses this by making these hidden processes more transparent and understandable, ensuring that users can trust and hold accountable the systems they interact with.