ACSG575 -- Information Ethics

Everybody within the computing world should study computer ethics or information ethics because it allows for the analysis of social and ethical situations that involve computing of any kind. It allows people to study the ramifications of human action influenced by computer technology. It allows a complex issue to be analyzed by any person that uses technology. Computer ethics allows people within the computing field to act professionally and responsibly. Information ethics also helps professionals to avoid computing illegalities and full catastrophes. By studying computer ethics the now normal policy growth of technology companies and the slow growth of laws is bridged more effectively. Not only will studying computer ethics help users and professionals in the computing field, but it will also help any non-user understand how to be a more ethical person in his/her own life.

This course is an introduction to ethical theories and the tools of ethical analysis is followed by the study of ethics issues in privacy, security and intellectual property.

During this class we developed an understanding of Information Ethics using Utilitarian Analysis and Deontological Analysis. We also studied the ethical issues involved with privacy, security, and intellectual property. Besides handouts containing either news articles or privacy policies of various works, there were two separate books used in this class including Computer Ethics 4e by Deborah Johnson and Justice: What's the Right Thing to do? by Michael J. Sandel.