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A critique of positive responsibility in computing
1Department of English, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. stiebja@drexel.edu
Science and Engineering Ethics
|May 1, 2008
Summary
Computer professionals should reject vague notions of "undesirable events" and "positive responsibility." These ideals are counterproductive, confusing efficient engineering with morality and imposing debatable social needs.
Area of Science:
- Computer Ethics
- Software Engineering Professionalism
Background:
- The abstract critiques the imposition of vague responsibilities on computer professionals.
- It addresses claims that professionals should be liable for "undesirable events" and that disasters are preventable through understanding responsibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To argue against the imposition of ill-defined responsibilities on computer professionals.
- To debunk the concept of "positive responsibility" in computing.
- To differentiate between efficient engineering and moral computing.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of ethical claims in computing.
- Critique of the notion of "social needs" and their imposition.
- Examination of the practical and theoretical implications of "positive responsibility."
Main Results:
- The abstract argues that proposed responsibilities are vague, counterproductive, and impossible to satisfy.
- It asserts that "social needs" are subjective and cannot be authoritatively imposed.
- The study concludes that "positive responsibility" is difficult to apply and blurs the lines between engineering efficiency and ethical conduct.
Conclusions:
- Computer professionals should be defended against unrealistic ethical demands.
- The concept of "positive responsibility" is deemed impractical and confusing.
- A clear distinction must be maintained between technical proficiency and moral obligation in computing.
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