On the Importance of Teaching Professional Ethics to Computer Science and Engineering Students

We can notice that the general public awareness on ethical aspects of technology is increasing. The high level of media attention given to computerrelated disasters in technical systems such as the explosion of Ariane V in 1996 and the Therac-25 computerized radiation machine overdoses has increased interest in Computer Ethics. The aim of this paper is to shed light upon the significance of social, ethical and professional issues in the field of Computing. It argues that ethics education should be incorporated into computing curricula. Engineering has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life of people. Accordingly, the services provided by engineers must be dedicated to the protection of the public safety, health and welfare. A code of professional ethics appears when an occupation organizes itself into a profession. It is central to advising individual professionals how to conduct themselves, to judging their conduct, and to understanding of a profession. Most engineering takes place within profit-making organizations that are embedded in a complex structure of societal and regulatory constraints. Engineering Ethics is therefore relevant for the majority of people within Computing. Research Ethics or Educational Ethics apply to those professionals in Computing who are active within those fields. Many other branches of Ethics may as well apply such as Healthcare Ethics and similar for some of Computing professionals. Of course the field of Computing has its own particular ethical problems that are important to address. Therefore a specific field of Computer Ethics has developed. It is vital to recognize that prudent ethical judgment is a crucial integral part of professional skills.