Why Do I Need Code of Ethics

7/27/2019 Why Do I Need Code of Ethics

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Im Ethical....Why Do I need a Code of Ethics?

By: Theresa Zajkowski

CSE 601


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Overview

What is Ethics?

Brief History Why is there a need for codes of ethics?

Association of Computing Machinery Code ofConduct

Software Engineering Code of Ethics Comparison of the two codes

Scenarios


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What is Ethics?

According to Merriam-Webster, ethics is the

discipline focusing on what is good and badwith moral duty and obligation. It is a set of

moral principles.


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A Brief History

In the early nineteenth century, ethics dealt

with a persons character. A persons honorand virtue led them to act ethically. As true

professionals there was no need for written

instructions on how a person should act or

conduct their affairs.


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A Brief History (Cont.)

However, in the early to mid-nineteenth

century, English doctor Thomas Percivalproposed a list of ethical rules. This code

gave physicians and surgeons a means of

assessing the conduct of their fellow

practitioners as well as their superiors,employers and other medical professionals

(Canadian Appraiser).


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Why Do We Need A Code of Ethics?

As members of a profession, we are seen as

trusted experts by society. As professionals,we have a duty to maintain the highest

standards of professionalism in our work,

while at the same time still acting in the

public interest.


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Why Do We Need A Code of Ethics?

(Cont.)

In order for a code of ethics to maintain its

merit and respect, it must contain proceduresfor monitoring a members actions and

procedures for disciplining those who fail to

act in accordance with these standards.


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Association of Computing Machinery

Code of Conduct

The ACM Code of Conduct contains 24 imperatives

discussing the personal responsibility of each

person.

Outlines fundamental ethical considerations

Addresses additional, considerations of professional

conduct

Discusses the duties specific to individuals who have aleadership role

Focuses on the principles concerning compliance with the

code


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Code of Conduct (Cont.)

The first 8 imperativesfound in Section 1 Contribute to society and human well-being

Avoid harm to others

Be honest and trustworthy

Be fair and take action not to discriminate


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Code of Conduct (Cont.)

Honor property rights including copyrights and patent

Give proper credit for intellectual property

Respect the privacy of others

Honor confidentiality


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Software Engineering Code of Ethics

Recommended by ACM and IEEE-CS

The Software Engineers Code of Ethics is divided

into 8 principle sections. Public

Client and Employer

Product

Judgment

Management Profession

Colleagues

Self


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(Cont.)

Each section identifies a different situation or

decision a professional engineer would faceand the appropriate action(s) the engineer

should take.

The sections also focus on the relationships

between individuals, groups or organizationsand the ethical obligations involved with

these relationships.


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(Cont.)

The first 8 principles involving the public interest

Accept full responsibility for their own work.

Moderate the interests of the software engineer, the

employer, the client and the users with the public good.

Approve software only if they have a well-founded

belief that it is safe, meets specifications, passes

appropriate tests, and does not diminish quality of life,

diminish privacy or harm the environment. The ultimate

effect of the work should be to the public good.


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(Cont.)

Disclose to appropriate persons or authorities any

actual or potential danger to the user, the public, or the

environment, that they reasonably believe to beassociated with software or related documents.

Cooperate in efforts to address matters of grave public

concern caused by software, its installation,

maintenance, support or documentation.

Be fair and avoid deception in all statements,particularly public ones, concerning software or related

documents, methods and tools.


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(Cont.)

Consider issues of physical disabilities, allocation of

resources, economic disadvantage and other factors

that can diminish access to the benefits of software. Be encouraged to volunteer professional skills to good

causes and contribute to public education concerning

the discipline


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Comparing the two Codes of Ethics

Similarities

Guide engineers and engineering teams whenfaced with an ethical decision

Describe consequences for unethical decisions

Helps teach the public about what can and cannot

be asked of an engineer


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Possible Scenarios

Medical Supply Company

Malfunctioning pressure valve on infant respirator University Construction Team

To cut costs, was asked to not install emergency

lighting

Software Company Using proprietary software to release a product

without a license for software


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Recap

Ethics

History ACM Code of Conduct


Comparison of both codes Scenarios


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Any Questions

Documents

Why Do I Need Code of Ethics