7 Ethics and Ownership
7.1 Ethics and ownership
Show understanding of the need for and purpose of ethics as a computing
professional
Understand the importance of joining a professional ethical body including
BCS (British Computer Society), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic
Engineers)
Ethics: a system of moral principles that guide behaviour based on
philosophical views
Computer Ethics
Regulate how computing professionals should make decisions
regarding professional & social conduct.
Computer ethics can be understood as the branch of applied ethics
which studies and analyses social and ethical impact of information
technology.
Show understanding of the need to act ethically and the impact of acting
ethically or unethically for a given situation
Programming ideas and methods can be stolen by competitors, software
can easily be copied and bootlegged (sold illegally) hence legislation is
needed to protect the ownership, usage and copyright of data.
A computing professional can be ethically guided by joining a professional
ethical body such as the BCS and IEEE, which have codes of conduct.
These codes of conduct aren’t law, but a set of rules which apply when part
of the organisation.
7 Ethics and Ownership 1
, There are several organisations which provide ethical guidelines: such as
the IEEE, ACM and BCS
IEEE/ACM Software Engineering Code of Ethics:
Public: Software engineers shall act consistently with the public interest.
Client and Employer: Software engineers shall act in a manner that is in
the best interests of their client and employer, consistent with the public
interest.
Product: Software engineers shall ensure that their products and related
modifications meet the highest professional standards possible.
Judgment: Software engineers shall maintain integrity and
independence in their professional judgment.
Management: Software engineering managers and leaders shall
subscribe to and promote an ethical approach to the management of
software development and maintenance.
Profession: Software engineers shall advance the integrity and
reputation of the profession consistent with the public interest.
Colleagues: Software engineers shall be fair to and supportive of their
colleagues.
Self: Software engineers shall participate in lifelong learning regarding
the practice of their profession and shall promote an ethical approach to
the practice of the profession.
BSC list of standards:
The Public Interest - safeguarding public health; respecting rights of 3rd
parties, applying knowledge of relevant regulations.
Duty to employers and clients - carrying out work according to the
requirements, and not abusing employers' or clients' trust in any way.
Professional duty - uphold the reputation of the profession through
good practice, support fellow members in professional development.
Professional Integrity and Competence - maintain standards of
professional skill and practice, accepting responsibility for work done,
avoiding conflicts of interest with clients.
7 Ethics and Ownership 2
7.1 Ethics and ownership
Show understanding of the need for and purpose of ethics as a computing
professional
Understand the importance of joining a professional ethical body including
BCS (British Computer Society), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic
Engineers)
Ethics: a system of moral principles that guide behaviour based on
philosophical views
Computer Ethics
Regulate how computing professionals should make decisions
regarding professional & social conduct.
Computer ethics can be understood as the branch of applied ethics
which studies and analyses social and ethical impact of information
technology.
Show understanding of the need to act ethically and the impact of acting
ethically or unethically for a given situation
Programming ideas and methods can be stolen by competitors, software
can easily be copied and bootlegged (sold illegally) hence legislation is
needed to protect the ownership, usage and copyright of data.
A computing professional can be ethically guided by joining a professional
ethical body such as the BCS and IEEE, which have codes of conduct.
These codes of conduct aren’t law, but a set of rules which apply when part
of the organisation.
7 Ethics and Ownership 1
, There are several organisations which provide ethical guidelines: such as
the IEEE, ACM and BCS
IEEE/ACM Software Engineering Code of Ethics:
Public: Software engineers shall act consistently with the public interest.
Client and Employer: Software engineers shall act in a manner that is in
the best interests of their client and employer, consistent with the public
interest.
Product: Software engineers shall ensure that their products and related
modifications meet the highest professional standards possible.
Judgment: Software engineers shall maintain integrity and
independence in their professional judgment.
Management: Software engineering managers and leaders shall
subscribe to and promote an ethical approach to the management of
software development and maintenance.
Profession: Software engineers shall advance the integrity and
reputation of the profession consistent with the public interest.
Colleagues: Software engineers shall be fair to and supportive of their
colleagues.
Self: Software engineers shall participate in lifelong learning regarding
the practice of their profession and shall promote an ethical approach to
the practice of the profession.
BSC list of standards:
The Public Interest - safeguarding public health; respecting rights of 3rd
parties, applying knowledge of relevant regulations.
Duty to employers and clients - carrying out work according to the
requirements, and not abusing employers' or clients' trust in any way.
Professional duty - uphold the reputation of the profession through
good practice, support fellow members in professional development.
Professional Integrity and Competence - maintain standards of
professional skill and practice, accepting responsibility for work done,
avoiding conflicts of interest with clients.
7 Ethics and Ownership 2
