ECE 101 An Introduction to Information Technology Ethics, Professionalism and The Future

Ethics, Professionalism & the Future Morality “Drawing the Line” Behaviors – What is right and wrong? Professional Ethics The Future (?)

Morality Standards of conduct that apply to everyone Standards of right and wrong, codes of behavior Many are recorded in religious writings Societies that do not develop moral codes against immoral behaviors degenerate into anarchy and disappear. Some behaviors are immoral in one culture and not another

Professional Ethics Standards of conduct that apply to specifically targeted groups (medicine, business, law, engineering, …) Formulated in codes and practices Engineering ethics is critical discipline within engineering, part of thinking like an engineer

“Drawing the Line” reference: Engineering Ethics by Harris, et.al., Journ Engr.Educ. April 1996 Distinguishing between the acceptable and non-acceptable; example: gifts from vendors: –Cheap pens –Lunch paid by the vendor at a local restaurant –See Redskins in a company suite –Trip to a local golf course –Sponsor membership in a country club –All paid trip to Hawaii –$10,000 check to accept an inferior and more expensive product?

Behaviors reference: The Technology Ethics Gap, by Judith Semas Is is wrong to copy company software for home use –although it is generally against the law? 35% say that it’s not wrong Is it ethical to use employers equipment to search a new job? 34% say it is not unethical Is it ok to use office computers for personal shopping on the internet? 46% say it is ok

NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers – Fundamental Canons Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall: 1. Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public. 2. Perform services only in areas of their competence. 3. Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.

NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers – Fundamental Canons (Continued) Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall: –4. Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees. –5. Avoid deceptive acts. –6. Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession.

“Conflict: ‘Gilbane Gold’” reference: Engineering Ethics by Harris, et.al., Journ Engr.Educ. April 1996 Job requires signing documents that say that plant discharge meets city regulations when he suspects it does not What test to use older one specified under the law or newer one unknown to the public? Is the law too restrictive or flawed in specifying concentration and not total levels? As and Pb in resulting water treatment that might contaminate the soil with unknown consequences Plant “can’t afford” to spend money on water treatment What are the obligations of the city? Obligation to be a loyal employee and obligation to protect the health of the public apparently in conflict

Predicting the Future In 1960: Artificial Intelligence thinking machines would defeat humans at chess by They lost in 1996 In 1982: Bill Gates thought 640k of main memory would suffice for user workstations In 1984: IBM believed PC’s would amount to nothing

Later in our 21st Century Artificial Eyesight for Blind People Football Games Played Entirely by Robots Elimination of Night by Solar Satellite Power People Living in High-Orbital Mini-Earth Homes Domestic Robots Autos, Calculators, …, Operated by Voice

A few final (for now) personal notes

Another view - To laugh and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children … To leave the world a better place … To know that even one life has breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded. –Ralph Waldo Emerson

Advice Treat school as your primary job, Be flexible, Listen and appreciate the views of others, be a good team worker, Don’t always keep the focus on yourself, Admit to your mistakes, be real! Get excited! You are in an exciting, relevant, and rewarding field!!

Education A different view on the goal of education: It is not what you know that is as important as what You have become

Welcome to a Great Profession Be Dedicated & Creative Enjoy your work, Have fun! Rewards will be yours! $,£,L,DM,F,¥,!