Computers, ethics, and society / edited by M. David Ermann, Michele S. Shauf.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Ermann, M. David.

Shauf, Michele S.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Computers and civilization.

Computer security.

Human-computer interaction.

Physical Description:

vi, 249 pages ; 21 cm

Edition:

Third edition.

Place of Publication:

New York : Oxford University Press, 2003.

Summary:

In today's world, computers can have complex and contradictory effects on human life. They can enhance our quality of life by creating access to previously unimagined worlds. On the other hand, as computers become increasingly important in our everyday lives, their potential to strip away our privacy and autonomy increases exponentially. Computers, Ethics, and Society, now in its third edition, offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary set of readings on the ethical and social implications of computer technology. Taking into account technological, social, and philosophical issues, the contributors consider topics such as the work-related ramifications of automation, the ethical obligations of computer specialists, and the threats to privacy that come with increased computerization. Thoroughly up-to-date in its coverage, this collection includes articles on specific ethical dilemmas related to contemporary issues and events. Essays new to the third edition cover such topics as cyber-terrorism, the ethics of downloading music from Internet sites, and the question of whether human beings may someday be "replaced" by artificial intelligence and computer technology. An ideal text for sociology, philosophy, and computer science courses, Computers, Ethics, and Society, 3/e, reminds students that although technology has the potential to improve or undermine our quality of life, societal forces ultimately have the power to decide how computers will affect our lives.

Contents:

I. Ethical Contexts

Philosophical Ethics

1. The Best Action Is the One with the Best Consequences / John Hospers 3

2. The Best Action Is the One in Accord with Universal Rules / James Rachels 12

3. The Best Action Is the One That Exercises the Mind's Faculties / Aristotle 16

Professional Ethics

4. ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct / Association for Computing Machinery 23

5. Using the ACM Code / Ronald E. Anderson, Deborah G. Johnson, Donald Gotterbarm, Judith Perolle 31

6. Can We Find a Single Ethical Code? / Robert N. Barger 42

7. The Morality of Whistle-Blowing / Sissela Bok 47

8. The Ethics of Systems Design / Batya Friedman, Peter H. Kahn, Jr. 55

9. Are Hacker Break-ins Ethical? / Eugene H. Spafford 64

10. Using Computers as Means, Not Ends / Herbert L. Dreyfus, Stuart E. Dreyfus, Tom Athanasiou 74

II. Historical and Cultural Contexts

11. Technology Is a Tool of the Powerful / Phillip Bereano 85

12. A History of the Personal Computer / Robert Pool 91

13. Informing Ourselves to Death / Neil Postman 101

14. Why the Future Doesn't Need Us / Bill Joy 110

15. Boolean Logic / Michael Heim 123

III. Social Contexts

16. Privacy in a Database Nation / Simson Garfinkel 137

17. The GNU Manifesto / Richard M. Stallman 153

18. Crossing the Digital Divide / Jessica Brown 162

19. Gender Bias in Instructional Technology / Katy Campbell 171

20. Computers and the Work Experience / Anthony M. Townsend 184

21. Information Technologies and Our Changing Economy / Martin Carnoy 190

22. Music: Intellectual Property's Canary in the Digital Coal Mine / National Research Council 202

23. The Case for Collective Violence / Craig Summers, Eric Markusen 214

24. Activism, Hacktivism, and Cyberterrorism / Dorothy E. Denning 231.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN:

0195143027

OCLC:

49872144