Database Reference
In-Depth Information
but that it would be unethical, we can write code to require usernames and
passwords, making it more difficult for users to get into each other's personal
information. Further, we can write a code of conduct, usually referred to as an
Acceptable Use Policy, which dictates what users can and cannot do. The policy is
not a law, that is, it is not enacted or enforced by a government, but it is an
agreement to abide by certain rules or risk losing the privilege of using the site's
services.
Social Norms
: This form of determining what is ethical is based on what is
acceptable in our society. As we look around us, interact with our friends, family,
neighbors, and associates, ethical bounds can be established by what is acceptable
to these people. Often, if we would be embarrassed, humiliated or otherwise
shamed by our behavior, if we find ourselves wanting to hide what we're doing
from others, we have a strong indication that our activity is not ethical. We can
also contribute to the establishment of social norms as ethical guides by making our
own expectations of what is acceptable clear to others.
Organizational Standard Operating Procedures
: Ethical standards can often be
established by creating a set of acceptable practices for your organization. Such an effort
should be undertaken by company leadership, with input from a broad cross-section of
employees. These should be well-documented and communicated to employees, and
reviewed regularly. Checks and balances can be built into work processes to help ensure
that workers are adhering to established procedures.
Professional Code of Conduct
: Similar to organizational operating standards,
professional codes of conduct can help to establish boundaries of ethical conduct. The
aforementioned Association for Computing Machinery maintains a Code of Ethics and
Professional Conduct that is an excellent resource for computing professionals seeking
guidance
(
http://www.acm.org/about/code-of-ethics
)
. Other organizations also have
codes of conduct that could be consulted in order to frame ethical decision making in data
mining.
Immanuel Kant's Categorical Imperative
: Immanuel Kant was a German
philosopher and anthropologist who lived in the 1700's. Among his extensive writings on
