Internet - Social aspects, Internet - moral and ethical aspects, Computer - Social aspects, Computers - moral and ethical aspects 

This book has two intended audiences: students preparing for careers in computer science (and related fields) and students in Other fields who want to learn about issues that arise from computing technology, the Internet, and other aspects of cyberspace. The book has no technical prerequisites. Instructors can use it at various levels, in both introductory and advanced courses about computing or technology.

Scope of This Book

Many universities offer courses with titles such as “Ethical Issues in Computing” or “Computers and Society.” Some focus primarily on professional ethics for computer professionals. Others address a wide range of social issues. The bulky subtitle and the table of contents of this book indicate its scope. The author also include historical background to put some of today’s issues in context and perspective. The author believe it is important for students (in computer and information technology majors and in other majors) to see and understand the implications and impacts of the technology. Students will face a wide variety of issues in this book as members of a complex technological society, in both their professional and personal lives.

The last chapter focuses on ethical issues for computer professionals. The basic ethical principles are not different from ethical principles in other professions or other aspects of life: honesty, responsibility, and fairness. However, within any one profession, special kinds of problems arise. Thus, we discuss professional ethical guidelines and case scenarios specific to computing professions. The author include two of the main codes of ethics and professional practices for computer professionals in an Appendix. The author placed the professional ethics chapter last because the author believe students will find it more interesting and useful after they have as background the incidents, issues, and controversies in the earlier chapters.

Each of the chapters in this book could easily be expanded to a whole book. The author had to leave out many interesting topics and examples. In some cases, the author mention an issue, example, or position with little or no discussion. The author hope some of these will spark further reading and debate. 

Illustration ; Newsprint ; 23 cm
Includes index