Computer and Web Ethics the Term \"Computer

Computer and Web Ethics

The term "computer ethics," as coined by Walter Maner in the 1970s, refers to a field of study that examines "ethical problems aggravated, transformed, or created by computer technology" (Maner, 1980). Maner suggested that persons engaged in computer-related actions should apply traditional ethical frameworks, such as Kantianism and Utilitarianism, to govern their decision-making. While Immanuel Kant's virtue ethics are rooted in respect for all people and an inherent respect for virtuous character traits -- such as kindness, honesty, patience and humility -- Utilitarianism judges the morality of an action according to "the greatest good for the greatest number" rule (Stanford Encyclopedia, 2011).

Similar to Maner's definition, Deborah Johnson, author of Computer Ethics (1985), defined computer ethics as a study of how computers "pose new versions of standard moral problems and moral dilemmas, exacerbating the old problems, and forcing us to apply ordinary moral norms to uncharted realms" (Johnson, 1985). At around this same time, James H. Moor, in his highly esteemed article entitled "What is Computer Ethics?" defined it as "the analysis of the nature and social impact of computer technology and the corresponding formulation and justification of policies for the ethical use of such technology," (Moor, 1985). Said Moor on the key conundrum of computer ethics:

A typical problem in computer ethics arises because there is a policy vacuum about how computer technology should be used. Computers provide us with new capabilities and these in turn give us new choices for action. Often, either no policies for conduct in these situations exist or existing policies seem inadequate. A central task of computer ethics is to determine what we should do in such cases, that is, formulate policies to guide our actions. (Moor, 1985)

Citing the computer as the closest thing we have to a universal tool, the only limits of which are the limits our imagination and our ability to create, Moor suggested that the vast implications of computer ethics evolved as computer technology evolved from mere "introduction" to cultural "permeation" (Moor, 1985). While the introduction stage of computer technology began in the 1940s and continued through the late 1980s, the permeation stage began in the 1990s with the personal computer (PC), now a staple in nearly every home and place of business in the United States and the profitably countries of Europe and Asia.

Responding to Moor's assertion of the need for clearly defined policies and codes of conduct for computer-related actions, Donald Gotterbarn co-authored the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct in 1992, and later co-developed the ACM/IEEE Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice in 1999 (Gotterbarn, 2001). These codes of conduct are based on Moor's assertion that ethical decisions should be made according to respect for such basic human values as reverence for life, liberty, happiness, health, general safety and the protection of personal privacy.

Naming respect for these basic human values as the standard by which to judge an action allows for an objective perspective of many seemingly 'gray' areas of computer and web ethics. For example, should a personal networking cite such as Facebook or Linked-in share the personal information of their members with other cites without their members permission? According to respect for protection of personal privacy, the answer is 'no.' Similarly, a mature adult should not deceive a young child into thinking he is also a child in order to gain that child's trust, according to respect for honesty and/or the general safety value.