1

Ethical Issues in Computer Science

CSCI 328, Fall 2013Note set 2

Sociotechnical perspectiveEthical reasoning

2

The Sociotechnical Systems Perspective

The Sociotechnical systems perspective can be summarized by three rules.

1. Reject technological determinism--Think coshaping.Technology that is developed is determined by social factors:

(Name some)

Adoption of technology does not necessarily determine social behavior. Examples: Internet/democracy; Facebook

2. Reject technology as material objects--Think sociotechnical systems.Technology by itself does not do anything—it can only function as

part of a social system.

People and artifacts are intertwined. They shape each other.

3

The Sociotechnical Systems Perspective—continued

The Sociotechnical systems perspective can be summarized by three rules.

3. Reject Technology as neutral--Think Technology infused with values.

Langdon Winner (1986): Adoption of a particular technology means adoption of a social order.

Examples?

Sociotechnical systems provide a framework for examining ethical issues associated with computer technology.

4

Why Computer Ethics?

•Technology is part of society and affects the way we act.

•Technology affects the courses of action available to us and the decisions we make.

•The better we understand how technology affects us and society, the better our decisions will be.

5

Discussion from Chapter 1

Facebook scenario:•Ashley has a Facebook site. She applies for a job at company X.•Shawn works for company X and is asked to examine Ashley's site before hiring her.•Ashley is fully qualified and soars through the interview.•Shawn sees signs of partying on the facebook site and informs the company.•Ashley is not hired.

Is anything wrong here?Who is wrong? Ashley? Shawn? Company X?

6

What is the purpose of "doing" Ethics?

1. Finding universal moral rules?2. Should we focus on:

right vs. wrong?good vs. bad consequences of

actions?virtue and justice?

3. Theoretical vs. practical ethics• Theoretical ethics tries to give an account of morality• Practical ethics tries to understand and develop

strategies for practical decision making.4. We will focus on practical ethics.5. Analysis will inform decisions and actions, but may not

come to a final resolution.