Computing, ethics and social responsibility: Developing ethically responsible computer users for the 21st century

Abstract

Computer technology has proven itself a double-edged gift, alternately improving and threatening our lives and environment. In the past year alone we encountered computer viruses, interruptions of power, invasions of privacy, cyber-pornography, and many thefts. Our obligation to students is to include in their education the means to understand the relationship between the most powerful current influence on our lives and the ethical values necessary to use that influence responsibly. This paper outlines educational topics and methodologies for helping both beginning and pre-professional students apply ethically responsible values to using computer technology in the 21st century. © Springer-Verlag 2002.