Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
underlying the rules. These questions demonstrate the multifaceted grounding of the
code:
1.
Who is affected?
Utilitarians focus on determining how an action benefits or harms other people.
2.
Am I treating other human beings with respect?
Kant's Categorical Imperative (Section 2.6.1) tells us to treat others as ends in them-
selves rather than simply as a means to an end.
3.
Would my decision hold up to public scrutiny?
In other words, does the action reflect well on my character? Developing a good
character is central to virtue ethics.
4.
How will those who are least empowered be affected?
Rawls's second principle of justice (Section 2.9.1) requires us to consider whether
inequalities are to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged members of society.
5.
Are my acts worthy of the ideal professional?
Virtue ethics is based on imitation of morally superior role models.
The start of each section of the code begins with the statement of a fundamental prin-
ciple. For example, the first section begins with the fundamental principle, “Software
engineers shall act consistently with the public interest.” All these statements of funda-
mental principles are expressed from the point of view of what software engineers ought
to do.
Another way to devise a list of fundamental principles is to consider those virtues
we would like to instill among all the members of any profession. We end up with a set
of general, discipline-independent rules that cut across the eight categories of the code.
Here is an alternative list of fundamental principles derived using that approach:
1.
Be impartial.
The good of the general public is equally important to the good of your organization
or company. The good of your profession and your company are equally important
to your personal good. It is wrong to promote your agenda at the expense of your
firm, and it is wrong to promote the interests of your firm at the expense of society.
(Supports clauses 1.02, 1.03, 1.05, 1.07, 3.03, 3.12, 4.01, and 6.05.)
2.
Disclose information that others ought to know.
Do not let others come to harm by concealing information from them. Do not
make misleading or deceptive statements. Disclose potential conflicts of interest.
(Supports clauses 1.04, 1.06, 2.06, 2.07, 3.01, 4.05, 4.06, 5.05, 5.06, 6.07, 6.08, 6.09,
6.12, and 6.13.)
3.
Respect the rights of others.
Do not infringe on the privacy rights, property rights, or intellectual property rights
of others. (Supports clauses 2.02, 2.03, 2.05, and 3.13.)
