Exploring the Unique Ethical Challenges Faced by Computer Scientists
As computer scientists, we often ponder the ethical issues that set our profession apart from others. While most professions adhere to a code of professional ethics that prioritizes the public good, computer scientists encounter unique challenges that demand a deeper consideration of our ethical responsibilities. Beyond the guidelines outlined in the ACM Code, it’s essential to delve into the uncredited measures taken by conscientious computer scientists to ensure the well-being of their clients.
Distinct Ethical Issues in Computing
While some ethical dilemmas in computing overlap with engineering and business, there are specific challenges that are inherent to our field. In the realm of engineering, safety emerges as a primary ethical mandate, emphasizing the critical importance of ensuring that the products we create are safe for public use.
Key Ethical Manifestations in Programming
Within programming, issues related to public safety become paramount. Three core issues that impact program quality and public safety include:
- Accuracy: Producing accurate results is foundational to our work as computer scientists, as any incorrect output can have significant consequences.
- Technical Debt: Building code on expedient short-term solutions can lead to technical debt, which poses challenges in maintaining and improving code quality over time.
- Code Bloat: The inclusion of unnecessary code modules can result in bloated software that not only compromises efficiency but also raises security concerns.
Challenges Unique to Software Engineering
Unlike other engineering disciplines where flaws in construction materials may be more easily detectable, issues like technical debt and code bloat in coding can remain hidden and pose future risks that are difficult to quantify. While the principles of frugality and efficiency are essential in software development, they often take a backseat to immediate goals and demands.
Addressing Ethical Considerations in Computing
As computer scientists, it’s crucial to recognize the ethical implications of our work and strive to uphold the highest standards of quality and integrity. Fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement can help mitigate the risks associated with technical debt and code bloat, ensuring that our software remains resilient and reliable in the face of evolving challenges.
Conclusion
By acknowledging and addressing the unique ethical challenges that confront us as computer scientists, we can uphold the values of professionalism and ethical integrity that define our field. Through ongoing reflection, education, and collaboration, we can navigate the complex terrain of ethical decision-making in computing with clarity and purpose.
References
[ConfTechDebt] IEEE and ACM. 2021. Proceedings of the 2021 IEEE/ACM International Conference on Technical Debt (TechDebt). IEEE, Curran Associates. Table of Contents at DOI: 10.1109/TechDebt52882.2021
[Hill2017] Robin K. Hill. 2017. The Ethical Problem of Software Neglect. BLOG@CACM, May 31, 2017.
[Hill2019] Robin K. Hill. 2019. Voting, Coding, and the Code. BLOG@CACM, November 27, 2019.
[Hubert] Bert Hubert. 2024. Why Bloat Is Still Software’s Biggest Vulnerability. IEEE Spectrum (2024).
[Recupito] David Sculley et al. 2015. Hidden technical debt in machine learning systems. Advances in Neural Information Processing Systems 28.
About the Author
Robin K. Hill is a lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and an affiliate of both the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies and the Wyoming Institute for Humanities Research at the University of Wyoming. She has been a member of ACM since 1978.