Aims

1. Learn how to conduct an ethical analysis of a socio-technical scenario (a computing-related issue that affects people).
2. To use the ethical theories and professional codes of ethics we have learned to analyze a socio-technical scenario. This will help you better understand the theories and codes, as well as gain practice in using them.

Preparation

Review the slides on How to Do an Ethical Analysis (see Moodle Assignment 1 section).

Review the grading rubric for Assignment 1 (see Moodle Assignment 1 section).

Assignment - Analysis

Each person will first do the full analysis (all 8 parts) of one scenario, on your own, submitting that analysis to Moodle.

Analysis Sections

Each analysis (individual) contained in the deliverable will include the following 8 sections for the scenario (one of two) that you choose.

Each section should be separate and marked with its own section title.

1. Identify the moral agents (agency).
2. What of value is at stake?
3. Who/what are the stakeholders?
4. Possible courses of action (identify at least 2). For each, state: A possible course of action is XXX.
5. Consequences associated with each course of action. For each, state: A(nother) consequence of the action XXX is YYY.
6. Analyze the case using ALL of the objective ethical theories (Act Utilitarianism, Rule Utilitarianism, Kantianism, Social Contract Theory/Rawls Principles of Justice, and Virtue Theory).
7. Identify any clauses in both the ACM Code of Ethics and the Software Engineering Code of Ethics that would apply to this situation. Give the clause number and the actual clause and then state how and why each would apply. The clauses in the codes are generic enough that several can apply. (Warning: Do not say they are software related and the case is not about software. There are broader principles that do apply because the cases concern computing and/or the design of systems with socio-technical aspects.)
8. Concrete action that you would recommend (supported by your analysis). Justify your recommendation by clearly explaining why. It must be one of the actions you mentioned in number 4.
9. Bibliography: If you used any materials besides the textbook and codes of ethics you must reference them in your bibliography. (The bibliography is not part of your page count.)

Deliverables What to Submit on Moodle

Your analysis deliverable should be kept to 5-6 pages (not counting the bibliography). Format this double-spaced with one-inch margins all around, 12-point font, Times New Roman.

Late submissions will not be accepted unless there are extenuating circumstances and prior approval of the instructor has been received.

SUBMIT ONE DOCUMENT (.doc or .docx ONLY*) CONTAINING YOUR ANALYSIS to Moodle

*If you do not have Word, you may submit a pdf document

Notes

• You must use the subject headings from sections 18 above. IF YOU DO NOT you will lose 25 points off the grade.
• Late submissions WILL NOT be accepted and will be given a grade of zero.
• You MUST put your name at the top of your document. If you do not, you will be given a grade of zero.

Grading Rubric

The grading rubric (form) is posted on Moodle. Understand it before you write or submit your analysis.

Scenario to Analyze

Two cases are listed on Moodle for your case analysis. You need to pick one. State as a title for your document which case you have chosen.

Case 1 Developing Apps to Monitor Cell Phone Usage"

Consider the case of a company planning to develop a new app specifically for parents who wish to completely monitor how their under-age children use smartphones, specifically to ensure their childs safety. Presumably parents will inform their children that the parent is monitoring their smartphone for this purpose. Is it ethical for parents to use this app?

2. is350 computer,ethics, society,

information Systems