Discussion Project                Applying the Software Engineering Code of Ethics

Part I:  Application

Return to your hypothetical case from the ‘Cases for Discussion” handout.  This week we are going to look at our cases through the lens of the Software Engineering Code of Ethics.  This will be fairly straightforward for the cases that involve computing professionals.  For some of the cases, though, you will need to ‘translate’ the principles of the code to make them applicable to the sort of person who is involved in the case.  You will then need to think more about the spirit of the principles (the underlying moral values they express) and less about the specific rules contained in the code.  You may also find it useful to consult the list of ‘fundamental principles’ that Quinn extracts from the code  (on pp. 414-415 of the textbook).

Quinn suggests a procedure for applying the Code on pp. 415-416 of his text.  For your convenience, here is a slightly edited version of what he recommends:

1.  Consult the list of fundamental principles and identify those that are relevant to your case.  (The principles he has in mind are the eight principles that form the main headings of the Code.  You might also find it useful to consult the alternative list on pp. 414-415)
2.  Search the list of clauses accompanying each of the relevant principles to see which speak most directly to the issues in your case.
3.  Determine whether the contemplated action aligns with or contradicts the statements in the clauses.
a.  If the action aligns with all the clauses, then you can conclude that the action is morally (ethically) OK.
b.  If the action contradicts all the relevant clauses, than you can conclude that the action is immoral (unethical).
c.  If the action is supported by some clauses and opposed by other clauses, then you will have to use your judgment to decide which clauses are more important in order to reach a verdict

Part II:  Evaluating the Theory

1.  Did the Code enable you to come up with a definite answer to the ethical difficulty posed by the case you were considering? 
2.  If so, did the answer suggested by the theory seem to you to be a sound one?  Did it square with your own intuitions about the case? 
3.  Does it seem to you as if there are important aspects of your case that the code fails to address?