Three Precepts on Computer Use (Activity 6-1)

Three Precepts on Computer Use

1. Three precepts on computer use:

“Thou shall not use a computer to steal.” –Stealing is almost universally accepted as unethical and illegal, whether reflected in Divine Law or Moral Law. As such, this particular precept should be adhered to.

“Thou shall not use a computer to harm other people.” – I chose this specific precept to discuss in this assignment as I am very concerned with the potential harm dangerous and pornographic materials in the internet can do to minors and the weak. Above all else, this evil must be avoided and steps taken to ensure that it will not pervade computing. Otherwise, a Pandora’s box of untold harm will be opened. Given that not all people believe in God or in His sovereignty over man’s actions, and therefore may not subscribe to Divine Law, at least, there should be some sort of adherence to Moral Law – or observance of acceptable and ethical behavior in a given community, in this case, the computing community. I can personally say that with this particular concern of not allowing the internet to be used by individuals to corrupt minors, or abuse women, I will subscribe to ethical absolutism. There should be no “ifs” and “buts”. Materials of this nature should be banned in the internet, or at least be open to pre-determined members only. The technical aspect of how to do this may be vague to me but I will still would want to think that it can be done.

“Thou shall think about the social consequences of the program you write.” - This one is closely related to the preceding concern I have written, except that this is more specific to computer program one writes. The computer is not just like any other tool to do good or harm as its potential is exponentially increased in scope and magnitude. Computers are used by both the good and bad elements of society and this should all the more give reason for programmers to see to it that their works have positive influence and that these will redound to common good. I believe that it is one’s moral obligation to use his talents and gifts to multiply goodness. As I mentioned in one of my postings, acting ethically is self-preserving as eventually, the society where one belongs to will survive if everybody does his share to preserve it. For this particular precept, ethical altruism is very evident. And I believe that it is indeed altruism to use one’s abilities to spread good rather than harm. Think about the people needing the aid of modern technology and computers, and allowing them to realize this need through your own programs! Think about the difference that you can make, the lives you can touch and the goodwill you can spread. This is what I am talking about when I say that whatever is done in the computer increases exponentially – whether positive or negative.


2. Yes I do. I believe that it will ultimately be for the good of everybody in the computing community if there is legislation governing computer use.

This will signal a formal recognition by government of its responsibilities to include computing as an area where its police power, regulatory power and even power of imminent domain should be enforced. It will also ensure that the computing community has the right to require government to include in its plans, policies and programs computing concerns like better telecommunications infrastructure facilities, decency in the web and better access of the majority to IT education, which ensure a steady supply of IT people.

Moreover, legislation will also ensure that my rights as a person will be respected, and if ever violated, I will have the resort to counter legally.

Christmas, Kids and the Joys of Motherhood

Photo caption (l-r): My panganay Jipu, cousin Miku, my bunso jahpu and cousin Arty

It's Christmastime and the joys of the season are starting to take over the general mood of everyone. People are more generous with their smiles. Parents are easier on their kids in terms of enforcing restrictions like curfews and allowance limits. Even enemies start to entertain thoughts of reconciling.

The birth of the Saviour is indeed the most beautiful thing that ever happened to man - and its magic continues even today. It speaks of hope, acceptance by God of fallen man and boundless joy.

Children sometimes can teach adults a lesson or two about life. Just like how they welcome Christmas every year - with much anticipation! As i watched my bunso get spellbound by the Christmas lights the first time we lighted them this year, I was touched to the core. I saw the magic of Christmas at work again. The sight of a 4-year old sitting quietly for several minutes, trying to take in the wonder of dancing colored lights made me ache for that same ability to be pleased and appreciate simpler things in ife.

On the other hand, my panganay knows that Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ and an occasion to be happy and have new toys. It's doubly special for him because his birthday happens to be December 20. During this time of the year, there is a renewed surge of energy in him, notwithstanding the difficulty in breathing he usually experiences when it is cold. For him, Christmas means "happy time".

As a mother, my main concern during this time of the year is not only to prepare sumptuous food for the whole family - but also to enhance and deepen my kids' view of Christmas by discussing with them the birth of Christ, reminding them that gifts are better given than received and sharing with the less fortunate. Year in year out, until they become independent, I will make sure that I teach them these lessons, in the same way that I also keep growing by the lessons they teach me back.

Law and Computer Ethics

Law and Computer Ethics (Activity 2-1)

Relevance of the study of the concept of law on computing and my study of computer ethics:

The law, in general, encompasses all areas and aspects of our life. In this civilized world we live in, and in this era of profound connectedness with the rest of the world, there is no area/aspect untouched by regulations. This is because it is necessary to ensure that all people’s rights are respected and upheld by all.

Computing is no exemption. I daresay that the very nature of interaction among individuals through the internet, and the enormous power that can be wielded through the use of computers all the more necessitate regulation and strict observance of ethical conduct.

The very foundation of ensuring responsible computing is the study of the concept of law – that awareness that there is good and there is bad. Concepts related to law like accountability to a higher authority, prohibition of transgressing other people’s rights and the like enhances my understanding and gives the proper context to my study of Computer Ethics.

Explain copyright laws from the point of view of divine law, natural law, moral law and physical law:

As what I posted in the DB, Melinda violated all the laws: divine, natural, moral and physical. This is because stealing somebody else’s property especially with the intent to make money out of it is morally wrong from all perspectives. Copyright laws are there to protect the rights of people who have dared to bring their intellectual properties to the marketplace, so to speak, so that others may also benefit from them. But since these fruits of the authors’ labors were also produced at some cost, the authors need to be properly compensated as well.

Applied Ethics

Applied Ethics

I stumbled upon this site of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) where the SPJ Code of Ethics is posted. While specific ethical behaviors look very tailored-fit for journalists, the underlying principles of honesty, respect for others, integrity and fairness present in all codes of ethics, are very evident, though applied in a way unique to the profession.

In the SPJ Code of Ethics, there are four sub-headings or general good conduct to adopt. Under each of these four sub-headings are numerous very specific actions/manners that journalists should observe. The four sub-headings are:
1. Seek the truth and report it – Journalists should be honest, fair, and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information;
2. Minimize harm – Ethical journalists treat sources, subjects and colleagues as human beings deserving of respect;
3. Act independently – Journalists should be free of obligation to any interest other than the public’s right to know; and
4. Be accountable – Journalists are accountable to their readers, listeners, viewers and each other

While dealing with information and ways to communicate it to society in general, journalists are expected to seek the truth above everything else, though within the bounds of the above-mentioned underlying principles. I guess that journalists should be the most careful to observe ethics as credibility is the very life of their careers. And credibility is earned through unwavering observance of integrity, as the Society’s Preamble states. Credibility is not attained overnight, but through years and years of constant observance. Therefore, it should be their way of life, nothing less.

Another reason why they should be most concerned about ethics is the fact that they practice their professions under the watchful eye of the public, facilitating the exchange of information - a priceless commodity. They have the potential to bring about tremendous good or cause much harm in a larger scale than most professionals.

The SPJ site also has a link to an Ethics Advice Line for journalists. Having this advice line suggests that in concerns about ethics and ethical practice of any profession, there will always be gray areas which require case to case judgment.

As an additional material, I also read a very interesting book entitled “My First book of Business Ethics” by Alan Axelrod. Axelrod defined ethics as: “the process of learning what is right or wrong, then doing what is right.” The definition is simple but the actual observance of ethical practice is difficult, mainly because what is right can be very relative. But the author encouraged businessmen to practice ethics at whatever cost because in the end, ethical business will always be good business. He added that whatever one does, is not lost in the crowd, but multiplied by it. This is because action , ethical or unethical, permeates an organization and spreads to its customers. It cannot be contained.

As for me, at the end of the day, whether in gathering and delivering news or selling any merchandise, ethics will always be the very foundation upon which any professional should operate because a person does not exist in isolation but in relation to a larger community. I can say that acting ethically is a self-preservation mechanism. An unethical society will anticipate nothing but downfall. But a society where ethics is practiced and observed will flourish no end. I remember what Jesus said in the Bible: “Do not do unto others what you do not want others do unto you.” If I want others to respect me and treat me as a human being, co-equal with others in my community, then I should do the same. But alas! – this is easier said than done.

References:

My First Book of Business Ethics by: Alan Axelrod, Quirk Books, 2004

SPJ wesite: http://www.spj.org/ethics_code.asp

sunset by the bay

I am one of the few individuals who are treated to a sight like this at the end of a hectic day. Sunsets at the Baywalk area give me this exhilirating feeling of seeing God's hand actually affix His signature at the end of the day. Endless hours staring at the computer, surfing the net for materials and resources for my work and my school requirements usually leave me so tired and drained. But sunsets just magically wipe this tiredness away. The sea is also one interesting study of changing moods. Stormy days ironically cause the sea to turn into a picture of beautiful rage - much like a woman turning more enticing with flaming cheeks and tempestous eyes after a heated lovers' fight.

Examples of Ethics

This initial activity opened my eyes to the different dimensions of ethics and has given the word more depth and texture to me. I hope that the rest of the activities will be as enriching. The mere act of relating ethics to its different applications and manifestations was enough to convince me that this semester will be a real time of discovery for me. Even the required downloaded materials for reading are just as informative.

1. Ethos (character or custom) This definition is one of the easiest to grasp since it has something to do with subjective experiences in relation to non-members of a given community. This definition also reminds one of hilarious or perplexing examples. Some signs we do with our hands can be interpreted in various ways by different cultures. This is because the meanings are not in the sign but in the people who do and see them given their specific contexts. In the Philippines, we find nothing wrong if we see websites requesting for donors of human organs, while in other more developed countries, this is not only unethical but also illegal!. It’s the same act but taken differently in different countries.

2. Basic principles of right action especially with reference to a particular person, professions, and others This definition of ethics reminds me of the difference between “unethical” and “illegal.”There are some things that man does which can be considered legal but unethical, specifically in dealing with other people. One example is gossiping. While the simple act of it is not illegal, it is considered unethical, especially if it brings undue hurt and emotional stress on a person. In this definition, I see that ethics is more exacting upon a person than the law, and gives a “heart” dimension to how man relates to other people. Even in how we use the computer, this definition of “ethics” should be taken to heart. The nature of computing is that, while the actual act can be done in private, where nobody can see nor discover who you are, if you are considerate of others and observe ethical computing, you will not do a lot of things, even if you can, because others might get hurt. The circulation of lewd pictures of actual people in cellphones need not happen if only those unscrupulous people involved, takes ethics to heart.

3. Correct or incorrect practices relative to various concerns or fields of study Ethics in this sense provides the bounds within which a person can practice his profession in an acceptable manner. Examples of this abound in the various professions, especially those that directly affect human lives and survival of enterprise. There is such a big debate about the Medical Malpractice Act between the medical practitioners and those that are for the passing of that law because of what is at stake. Patients will have a considerable amount of protection and leverage against abusive practitioners, while the medical practitioners, on the other hand, will be confined by a lot of “don’ts” and will really have to be very careful – which is good, I believe. CPA’s are also governed by a code of ethical standards upon which they should base their professional practice. Even in computing, there are laws governing those who use computers in most countries nowadays. In this sense, ethics is what makes the practice of anything acceptable and safe for everybody.