Ethics

1
Ethics

• Notes taken from
• http//onlineethics.org/
• http//ieee.org
• Wikipedia
• http//cyberethics.cbi.msstate.edu/
• Using Ethics Problems to Teach the Design
  Method, J. Pearce, Univ. TX.

2
Ethics

• Dilemma an argument presenting two or more
  equally conclusive alternatives against an
  opponent
• For many ethical dilemmas, you cant rely on your
  gut feel for the problem
• Books/articles on ethics analysis can help you
  understand the different issues involved.
• You need to put some work into it if you want to
  feel like you are prepared for some of the issues
  you might face down the road.
• Martin M.W., Schinzinger R., Ethics in
  Engineering, 4th Ed., McGraw-Hill, NY, 2005
• Having a methodology for analyzing ethical
  problems can help.

3
Analyzing Ethical Problems

• Problem Definition
• Identify Ethical issues
• Determine the facts
• Identify required missing data
• Determine relevant ethical principles
• Discuss practical constraints
• Identify possible solutions
• Seek ways to avoid the original problem
• list action items
• Make preliminary judgment (apply evaluation
  tests)
• Review decisions and synthesize action

All of these bullets are taken directly from
paper by J. Pearce
4
Different Ethical Codes

• Personal
• The Ten Commandments of the Bible
• Universal
• United Nations Universal Declaration of Human
  Rights
• http//www.un.org/Overview/rights.html
• Professional
• IEEE Code of Ethics is basic list of ethical
  responsibilities for Electrical/Computer
  Engineers
• Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics relates to
  computer technology use

5
Evaluation Tests on Choice of Action

• Harm Test Does this option do less harm?
• Publicity Test Would I want my test to appear in
  the newspaper?
• Mother Test What if my mom knew about this
  choice?
• Defensibility Test Could I defend my choice
  before a committee of my peers? (or of Congress?)
• Reversibility Test Would I think the choice was
  good if I were the one affected by it?
• Colleague Test What do my colleagues say when I
  describe the problem and situation?
• Professional Organization Test What would the
  IEEE say about my choice?

All of these bullets are taken directly from
paper by J. Pearce
6
Discuss Ethical Scenarios, see handouts