PHIL 245: Computer Ethics

Fall 2002 Syllabus

Brian M. O'Connell

Tuesday and Thursday - 12:30 to 1:45

Click here for zipped presentations (password required)

Requirements:
A substantial portion of this course will make use of the Internet and particularly, the World-Wide Web. All students are expected to have obtained an email  account and to have been certified by the Information Service Department to use the computers in the Marcus White Microcomputer Lab. Information about completing this requirement may be obtained from the Microcomputer Lab. Please note that workshops for certification are only conducted at specific times in the beginning of the semester.
 
Text: Course Packet (available in late September)
In addition, a number of required readings will be taken from the World-Wide Web.
 
Attendance:
Much of this course will focus on class discussion. In the case of unavoidable absence, please speak to me or send an email so that we can arrange makeup work. It is impossible to do well in this course without consistent attendance - so please plan on being here. More than three excused absences will result in a loss of the
'participation' credit.
 
Grading:
Quizzes  - 60%
Participation - 15%
Final Paper & Presentation- 25%

It is important to note that case analysis quiz material will come from both the readings and the class discussion and lectures. Attendance is thus extremely important for a good result on quizzes.

 

Resources: The library has many journals concerned with ethics and technology.  If you need specialized material from nearby UCONN Law School or Medical School libraries, please contact me and I'll help make the arrangements. Another important online resource is the Ethics, Law and Computing Resource Center.

SCHEDULE

This syllabus is tentative and subject to change. Please check this site regularly for updates.

  • WEEKS ONE & TWO :

    • Introduction, Schedule and Grading

    What is Computer Ethics?

    Johnson, Introduction.

     

  • WEEKS THREE & FOUR:

    • Philosophical Ethics I: Descriptive/Normative Claims, Ethical Relativism & Utilitarianism

    Johnson, Chapter 1 [pp. 16 - 29]

     

  • WEEKS FIVE & SIX :

    • Philosophical Ethics II: Deontology, Duties and Rights, Existentialist Perspectives

    Johnson, Chapter 1 [pp. 29 - 36]

     

  • WEEKS SEVEN & EIGHT :

     Philosophical Ethics III: 'Technological Ethics'
     Jonas, Toward a Philosophy of Technology
     Cassell, The Special Problem of Technology
      EVALUATION #1 out on 10/15 -- due on 10/22

     

     Issues in Computing & Ethics I: Disputes, Institutions, Forums & Processes
     Benhabib, Models of Public Space
     The Bill of Rights
     Lessig, Laws of Cyberspace (pdf file)
     

  • WEEKS NINE thru ELEVEN :

    • Issues in Computing & Ethics II: Crime, Abuse & Hacking

    Is Computer Hacking a Crime?

    Supplemental:

    U.S. v. LaMacchia

    Primer on DMCA

    EVALUATION  #2 out on 11/14 -- due on 11/26
     

  • WEEKS TWELVE Thru THIRTEEN :

    • Privacy I:  History & Models: Warren & Brandeis, Intrusion, Access & Control, Autonomy

    McLean, Types of Privacy

    Class Presentations begin Tuesday 11/26 -- Students 1-6

     

  • WEEK FOURTEEN :
    TU        Property I: History & Models - Ownership,  Possessive Individualism, Public Dedication

    •              Minogue, The Concept of Property & Its Significance

                 Class Presentations -- Students 7-12


    TH       Property II : Applications - Copyright, Patent, Public Domain & Open Source
                 Johnson, Chapter 4
                 Dougherty, Origins of Free and Open Source Software
              Class Presentations -- Students 13-18
                 EVALUATION  #3 out on 12/2 -- due on 12/10
     

  • WEEK FIFTEEN :
                Expression: Traditional Concepts & Applications
                Sunstein, A New Deal for Speech
                humdog, Pandora’s Vox
             TUESDAY: Class Presentations -- Students 19-24
                Professional Ethics: Codes, Professionalism, Individuality & Responsibility

             THURSDAY: Class Presentations -- Students 20-25

                All Final Papers Due on Exam Date in class.

    Updated on 11.21.02a