What is computer ethics by James H.
Moor
(Paper review)
Rise of computer technology has given rise to many computer ethical issues. In this paper Moor describes the revolution and importance of computer technology and challenges and ethical issues associated with it. The article begins with the definition of computer ethics. In words of James Moor, Computer ethics is the analysis of social impact of computer technology and the corresponding formulation and justification of policies for the ethical use of such technology. According to the paper, policy vacuum is a typical problem that arises when it comes to discussing computer ethics. It is job of computer ethics to guide our actions and form ethical theories. Author states that the application of ethical theories is not that simple as computer ethical problems are complex. So, apart from policy vacuum, we need conceptual vacuum as well. Then an example of creating a computer program protection policy is given. At first, the problem seems simple but a little reflection gives rise to a number of questions and complexities. These complexities highlight the importance of conceptualization. The author emphasizes on giving computer ethics status of a special field. According to Moor, it is a complex field that prompts us to think again about computer technology and our values. It provides both conceptualization and policies for using computers. The author then analyzes what is special about computers. What makes computers revolutionary is not just their abundance, affordability, speed or user-friendliness; these are a few things that make computers special. The essence of computer revolution lays in computers logical malleability i.e. their logical flexibility. You can use computers to do whatever you want. Their customizable nature is what makes them special and revolutionary. According to author, in order to derive ethical policies, we need to understand logical malleability of computers. And to understand logical malleability, we need to understand computers and their revolution first. Interpretation of computers as mathematical machines is incorrect, as computers are logical machines. Moor then states that computer revolution consists of two stages. The introduction stage and the permeation (transformation) stage. During the introduction stage computers are understood as tools for doing standard jobs and during the permeation stage, computers become an integral part of the activity. During the Computer Revolution many of our human activities and social institutions will be transformed. These transformations will leave us with policy and conceptual vacuums about how to use computer technology. Such policy and conceptual vacuums are the marks of basic problems within computer ethics. Therefore, computer ethics is a field of substantial practical importance. The last point the author touches is the invisibility factor of computer technology. There are different kinds of invisibility the most important of which is invisible abuse. What may
appear ethical at first might be unethical under the blanket of electronic invisibility. The author provides several examples to support this point. In my opinion, paper is brief but it effectively answers the very question of what is computer ethics. Moors arguments about the existence of policy and conceptual vacuum are very convincing. But I disagree with Moor when it comes to the relationship between these vacuums. I think these vacuums are not completely independent of one another as Moor states. Moors idea on why computer is a revolutionary machine is unique. I agree on malleability being major reason deriving computer revolution. In a nutshell, the paper provides the reader with logical reasoning regarding why to care about computers ethics. It convinces the readers to give computer ethics as much importance as they give computers in everyday life. References: 1. James H. Moor. (1985). what is computer ethics?
