...Undergraduates in Discussions about Ethics in Computing Brian R. von Konsky Jim Ivins Susan J. Gribble Curtin University of Technology Department of Computing Software Engineering Education Research Group GPO Box U1987, PERTH WA Australia bvk@cs.curtin.edu.au Abstract o Third-year computing students enrolled in a software engineering subject were introduced to the Australian Computer Society (ACS) Code of Ethics in the context of a computing professional’s obligation to manage quality, safety and reliability. Following an introductory lecture, case study scenarios were interactively discussed during class. Immediately afterwards, students were surveyed to assess their self-perceived and actual ability to apply the ACS Code to another similar scenario. Of the 68 students who gave their informed consent to participate in the study, 34% reported being fully comfortable with applying the ACS Code of Ethics, while 63% were somewhat comfortable. In justifying multiple-choice options for dealing with a new case study scenario, 37% provided a good justification for their choice, 48% provided a poor justification, and 15% provided no justification. A further qualitative analysis of the responses suggests the need for formal assessment of ethics in computing education, and highlights the importance of improving the perceived relevance of ethics to students and the need for in-depth treatment of ethical issues. Keywords: Ethics, Teaching and Learning, Engagement ...
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...1 The Turing Triage Test Dr. Robert Sparrow Centre for Human Bioethics Faculty of Arts Monash University Victoria 3800 Australia. This paper appeared in print in: Ethics and Information Technology 6(4): 203-213. 2004. Please cite that version. 2 The Turing Triage Test Abstract If, as a number of writers have predicted, the computers of the future will possess intelligence and capacities that exceed our own then it seems as though they will be worthy of a moral respect at least equal to, and perhaps greater than, human beings. In this paper I propose a test to determine when we have reached that point. Inspired by Alan Turing’s (1950) original ‘Turing test’, which argued that we would be justified in conceding that machines could think if they could fill the role of a person in a conversation, I propose a test for when computers have achieved moral standing by asking when a computer might take the place of a human being in a moral dilemma, such as a ‘triage’ situation in which a choice must be made as to which of two human lives to save. We will know that machines have achieved moral standing comparable to a human when the replacement of one of these people with an artificial intelligence leaves the character of the dilemma intact. That is, when we might sometimes judge that it is reasonable to preserve the continuing existence of a machine over the life of a human being. This is the ‘Turing Triage Test’. I argue that if personhood is understood as a matter of possessing...
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...David Scoma April 13, 2014 ABSTRACT (200-word summary of the entire paper) This research discusses the emerging technology of the human android. Different types of robots are discussed and, how these devices come together with computer technology. It begins with a description of this innovative modern day science and discusses its applications. To this end, it explores how robots and androids assist in both domestic and workplace activities. Next, our paper goes into detail on the historical development of human androids which goes back into the into the Renaissance time period. In addition, current development is briefly mentioned which includes economic support from the U.S President, further research, and considering an ongoing project. The collection of models are also noted followed by innovation changes that have been implemented up to this date. Last of all, the legal issues and concerns are described under different cases while government manufacturing has become significant. Next we will delve into the environmental implications androids and robots have on our society such as ensuring a safe society with the additions of these man-made creations and the possible threats they bring. This leads us into the moral and ethical implications of how they can improve our lives and the challenging code of ethics that is brought forth as to how we should consider them in today’s society. Acknowledgements This page is to acknowledge and thank the DeVry students that...
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...Artificial intelligence From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search "AI" redirects here. For other uses, see Ai. For other uses, see Artificial intelligence (disambiguation). Artificial intelligence (AI) is the intelligence of machines and the branch of computer science that aims to create it. AI textbooks define the field as "the study and design of intelligent agents"[1] where an intelligent agent is a system that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its chances of success.[2] John McCarthy, who coined the term in 1955,[3] defines it as "the science and engineering of making intelligent machines."[4] AI research is highly technical and specialized, deeply divided into subfields that often fail to communicate with each other.[5] Some of the division is due to social and cultural factors: subfields have grown up around particular institutions and the work of individual researchers. AI research is also divided by several technical issues. There are subfields which are focussed on the solution of specific problems, on one of several possible approaches, on the use of widely differing tools and towards the accomplishment of particular applications. The central problems of AI include such traits as reasoning, knowledge, planning, learning, communication, perception and the ability to move and manipulate objects.[6] General intelligence (or "strong AI") is still among the field's long term goals.[7] Currently popular approaches include statistical...
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...information. TWO PARTS OF IT COMPUTER – is a programmable, multiuse machine that accepts data–raw facts and figures–and processes, or manipulates, it into information we can use. COMMUNICATIONS – also called telecommunications technology, consists of electromagnetic devices and systems for communication over long distances. Effects of IT to: Education When properly integrated into curriculum and classroom it can: a. Allow students to personalize their education b. Automate many tedious and route tasks c. Reduce teacher’s workload HEALTH Computer Technology is radically changing the tools of medicine. It helps free medical workers for more critical tasks Telemedicine – medical care delivered via telecommunications Robots like da Vinci surgical robot. MONEY We slowly become a ‘’cashless society’’ because of the following propagation of: a. Credit cards b. Debit cards c. ‘’Electronic wallet’’ d. Automatic transfers (such as direct-deposit pay checks) LEISURE Society becomes influenced by IT in leisure on the following instances: a. Videogames b. Films c. Music d. Telegambling GOVERNMENT Helped government...
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...human moral cognition. As philosophers, we clearly lack widely accepted solutions to issues regarding the existence of free will, the nature of persons and firm conditions on moral agency/patienthood; all of which are indispensable concepts to be deployed by any machine able to make moral judgments. No agreement seems forthcoming on these matters, and we don’t hold out hope for machines that can both always do the right thing (on some general ethic) and produce explanations for its behavior that would be understandable to a human confederate. Our tentative solution involves understanding the folk concepts associated with our moral intuitions regarding these matters, and how they might be dependent upon the nature of human cognitive architecture. It is in this spirit that we begin to explore the complexities inherent in human moral judgment via computational theories of the human cognitive architecture, rather than under the extreme constraints imposed by rational-actor models assumed throughout much of the literature on philosophical ethics. After discussing the various advantages and challenges of taking this particular perspective on the development of artificial moral agents, we computationally explore a case study of human intuitions about the self and causal responsibility. We hypothesize that a significant portion of the variance in reported intuitions for this case might...
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...Prospects for Thought Communication Kevin Warwick and Daniela Cerqui Department of Cybernetics, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 6AY, UK Abstract In this paper we take a look at the realistic future possibility of thought communication. Technical details are presented on experimentation carried out thus far using implant technology and the route ahead involving brain-computer interfaces is described. Of importance in the paper is however the ethical issues raised by such a novel technological development. Discussion is centred on how this relates to previous technological innovations and their early acceptance, e.g. the telephone. 1. Introduction Technology is now becoming available which is opening up the realistic possibility of thought communication between individuals being achieved in the forthcoming decade, through the use of brain-computer implants. Indeed the first trials along these lines are even now occurring in several research labs [Kennedy et. al., 2000; Warwick et. al., 2004]. New technical methods presently being looked into (e.g. nanotechnology) are only likely to further enhance the results obtained thus far and speed up the rate of progress in this area. Witnessing the dawning of a completely new and revolutionary technical capability for humans raises a multitude of questions in terms of the effects on all aspects of society. It is interesting to consider what we can learn by looking back to relevant new directions when they have occurred...
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... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Design in Engineering and Architecture: Towards an Integrated Philosophical Understanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter Kroes, Andrew Light, Steven A. Moore, and Pieter E. Vermaas Part I Engineering Design ix 1 Design, Use, and the Physical and Intentional Aspects of Technical Artifacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maarten Franssen Designing is the Construction of Use Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wybo Houkes The Designer Fallacy and Technological Imagination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Don Ihde Technological Design as an Evolutionary Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Philip Brey Deciding on Ethical Issues in Engineering Design . . . . . . . . ....
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...Chapter 4 Ethical and Social Issues in Information Systems LEARNING OBJECTIVES After reading this chapter, you will be able to: 1. Analyze the relationships among ethical, social, and political issues that are raised by information systems. 2. Identify the main moral dimensions of an information society and specific principles for conduct that can be used to guide ethical decisions. 3. Evaluate the impact of contemporary information systems and the Internet on the protection of individual privacy and intellectual property. 4. Assess how information systems have affected everyday life. CHAPTER OUTLINE 4.1 UNDERSTANDING ETHICAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES RELATED TO SYSTEMS A Model for Thinking About Ethical, Social, and Political Issues Five Moral Dimensions of the Information Age Key Technology Trends that Raise Ethical Issues ETHICS IN AN INFORMATION SOCIETY Basic Concepts: Responsibility, Accountability, and Liability Ethical Analysis Candidate Ethical Principles Professional Codes of Conduct Some Real-World Ethical Dilemmas THE MORAL DIMENSIONS OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS Information Rights: Privacy and Freedom in the Internet Age Property Rights: Intellectual Property Accountability, Liability, and Control System Quality: Data Quality and System Errors Quality of Life: Equity, Access, and Boundaries HANDS-ON MIS Developing a Web Site Privacy Policy: Dirt Bikes USA Achieving Operational Excellence: Creating a Simple Web Site Using Web Page Development Tools Improving Decision Making: Using...
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...ETHICS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Third Edition This page intentionally left blank ETHICS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Third Edition George W. Reynolds Australia • Brazil • Japan • Korea • Mexico • Singapore • Spain • United Kingdom • United States Ethics in Information Technology, Third Edition by George W. Reynolds VP/Editorial Director: Jack Calhoun Publisher: Joe Sabatino Senior Acquisitions Editor: Charles McCormick Jr. Senior Product Manager: Kate Hennessy Mason Development Editor: Mary Pat Shaffer Editorial Assistant: Nora Heink Marketing Manager: Bryant Chrzan Marketing Coordinator: Suellen Ruttkay Content Product Manager: Jennifer Feltri Senior Art Director: Stacy Jenkins Shirley Cover Designer: Itzhack Shelomi Cover Image: iStock Images Technology Project Manager: Chris Valentine Manufacturing Coordinator: Julio Esperas Copyeditor: Green Pen Quality Assurance Proofreader: Suzanne Huizenga Indexer: Alexandra Nickerson Composition: Pre-Press PMG © 2010 Course Technology, Cengage Learning ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this work covered by the copyright herein may be reproduced, transmitted, stored or used in any form or by any means graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, scanning, digitizing, taping, Web distribution, information networks, or information storage and retrieval systems, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without the prior written permission...
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...Systems in Organization 9 B. Learning to use information systems: New Opportunities with technology 10 3.0 The Strategic Role of Information Systems 14 A. Organizations and Information Systems 14 B. Information systems & Business Strategy 20 4.0 Information Systems, Organizations and Business Strategy 28 A. Organizations and Information Systems 28 B. How Organization Affect Information Systems 33 C. How Information Systems Impact organizations and Business firms 35 5.0 Information, Management & Decision Making 39 A. Introduction to Decision Making 39 B. Individual Models of Decision Making 42 C. Organizational Models of Decision Making 43 D. The Impact of IT Management Process 44 6.0 Ethics & Social Impact of Information systems 46 A. The Importance of Ethics in Information Systems 46 B. Electronic Networks 46 C. The Moral Dimensions of Information Systems 50 7.0 Computer and Computer Processing 57 A. What is a Computer? 57 B. Systems Approach 58 C. Classification of computers 64 8.0 Information Systems Software 66 A. Computer Software 66 B. System Software 66 C. Application Software 68 9.0 Managing Data Resources 74 A. Organizing Data in a traditional environment 74 B. Limitations of Traditional File Environment 75 C. The Database approach to data Management 76 D. Types of Databases 78 10. System Development Methodologies 80 A. Software Development 80 B. Systems Development Life Cycle...
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...Summarize the major features of Texas Instruments’ management systems. 2. How does Texas Instruments ensure that its operating managers appropriately allocate their time between short term and long term? 3. Why do you believe the OST System worked so effectively for TI in the 70s? why was not working effectively for company in the mid-to-late 80s? 4. Would systems like these be appropriate in other organizations, such as Harvey-Hudson Electronics? What implementation problems would you foresee? ANSWERS: NO.1 Texas Instruments (TI) is considered to be the pioneer of the American electronics industry. TI was first established in 1951 as an electronics company serving the American defense industry. In 1958, TI developed the first semiconductor integrated circuit. TI has three main lines of business in 1984: components, which included semiconductor integrated circuits, semiconductor subassemblies, and electronic control devices; digital products, which included mini computers, personal computers, scientific instruments, and calculators; and government electronics, which included radar system, missile guidance and control systems, and infrared surveillance systems. The major management system of TI is OST System, which is Objective, Strategies, and Tactics System. OST System is a system for managing change and innovation. The system was employed to define the strategies the company intended to follow for further growth and development and to identify the tactics required to...
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...Janson TextLTStd-Roman 10/13 by MPS Limited, a Macmillan Company, Chennai, India and printed and bound by R. R. Donnelley & Sons. The cover was printed by R. R. Donnelley & Sons. This book is printed on acid free paper. ∞ Founded in 1807, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. has been a valued source of knowledge and understanding for more than 200 years, helping people around the world meet their needs and fulfill their aspirations. Our company is built on a foundation of principles that include responsibility to the communities we serve and where we live and work. In 2008, we launched a Corporate Citizenship Initiative, a global effort to address the environmental, social, economic, and ethical challenges we face in our business. Among the issues we are addressing are carbon impact, paper specifications and procurement, ethical conduct within our business and among our vendors, and community and charitable support. For more information,...
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...NOTE: This PDF document has a handy set of “bookmarks” for it, which are accessible by pressing the Bookmarks tab on the left side of this window. ***************************************************** We are the last. The last generation to be unaugmented. The last generation to be intellectually alone. The last generation to be limited by our bodies. We are the first. The first generation to be augmented. The first generation to be intellectually together. The first generation to be limited only by our imaginations. We stand both before and after, balancing on the razor edge of the Event Horizon of the Singularity. That this sublime juxtapositional tautology has gone unnoticed until now is itself remarkable. We're so exquisitely privileged to be living in this time, to be born right on the precipice of the greatest paradigm shift in human history, the only thing that approaches the importance of that reality is finding like minds that realize the same, and being able to make some connection with them. If these books have influenced you the same way that they have us, we invite your contact at the email addresses listed below. Enjoy, Michael Beight, piman_314@yahoo.com Steven Reddell, cronyx@gmail.com Here are some new links that we’ve found interesting: KurzweilAI.net News articles, essays, and discussion on the latest topics in technology and accelerating intelligence. SingInst.org The Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence: think tank devoted to increasing...
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...Operational Level Paper E1 ENTERPRISE OPERATIONS (REVISION SUMMARIES) Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Topic Organisations Corporate Responsibility and Ethics The International Economy Information Systems Managing Information Systems Operations Management Quality Management Marketing Buyer Behaviour Human Resource Management Management Theory and Motivation The Legal Environment Page Number 3 13 17 27 35 45 55 61 73 79 93 101 E1 revision summaries 1 E1 revision summaries 2 Chapter 1 Organisations E1 revision summaries 3 Key summary of chapter Private sector organisations Sub-sectors of the economy not directly controlled by the government or state private business and households. Examples • • • • Private businesses e.g. self employed sole traders or partnerships. Companies (corporations) e.g. separate legal identity with limited liability for shareholders (owners). Private banks and building societies. Non-governmental organisations e.g. trade unions, charities, clubs etc. e.g. Public organisations Sub-sectors of an economy, or organisations, owned and directly controlled by the state or government. Examples • • • Local authorities. State owned industries e.g. the UK post office. Public corporations e.g. the British Broadcasting Company (BBC). Characteristics of public organisations • • • • Ultimately accountable to government. Goals and guidelines determined by government. Not-for-profit motive (NPO). Funded by the general public...
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