Recommended Reading in Computer Ethics

[Ken Austin]

I am working my way through a beginner programming text, Javanotes by David Eck, and he has the following book recommendation:

Let's look at a few incidents recounted in the book Computer Ethics by Tom Forester and Perry Morrison. (This book covers various ethical issues in computing. It, or something like it, is essential reading for any student of computer science.)

A quick Amazon search reveals this book is relatively dated. Is there something more current out there? Or is this still a worthwhile read for a beginner who intends to become a full-time developer?

(Moderators - feel free to move this to a more appropriate forum)

[fred rosenberger]

I don't know that specific book, so I can't comment on it. The wikipedia does have a page on "Computer ethics", with many citations of contemporary sources, as well as links to various other web sites that may be relevant.

As always with the wikipedia, YMMV.

[Ken Austin]

fred rosenberger wrote:As always with the wikipedia, YMMV.

My general view on Wikipedia that it's usually a wonderful place to start.

Thanks, Fred.

[fred rosenberger]

Ken Austin wrote:My general view on Wikipedia that it's usually a wonderful place to start.

Thanks, Fred.

Agree, which is why I mentioned that the article cites other publications/sites/etc.

[Kemal Sokolovic]

(This book covers various ethical issues in computing. It, or something like it, is essential reading for any student of computer science.

Well, I've missed that.

[Paul Clapham]

Kemal Sokolovic wrote:

(This book covers various ethical issues in computing. It, or something like it, is essential reading for any student of computer science.

Well, I've missed that.

I'm sure a lot of people have missed it.

[Campbell Ritchie]

If the book is dated, you can probably get a second‑hand copy for a very good price. It might be worth reviewing it for us.

[Ken Austin]

Campbell Ritchie wrote:If the book is dated, you can probably get a second‑hand copy for a very good price. It might be worth reviewing it for us.

Way ahead of you. I ordered a copy off AbeBooks last night for $1. A review I found mentioned that it covered current issues in privacy. I'm sure any pre-Google, pre-Facebook discussion of that issue will be dated, although the underlying principles are probably still good.

Thanks, guys.

[Campbell Ritchie]

It is not just pre‑Google that might be dated. What about legislation about copyright protection? Or forcing ISPs to store e-mails for 5 years? What about Yahoo! letting a certain Government find about their informants?
I would be interesting whether the book has principles in which anticipate that sort of thing.