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Morality and Machines: Perspectives on Computer Ethics, Second Edition

Author(s): Stacey L Edgar, SUNY, Geneseo, New York
Details:
  • ISBN-13: 9780763717674
  • ISBN-10:0763717673
  • Paperback    522 pages      © 2003
Price: International Sales $121.95 US List
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Overview

Morality and Machines, Second Edition examines the moral issues that emerge from the influence of computers and technology on society today.  The text provides an ethical foundation upon which readers can develop informed opinions about software piracy, computer crimes, artificial intelligence and more.  With in-depth analysis of current moral and social problems, this text is an ideal resource for readers interested in philosophy, technological sciences, and computer ethics.

This book is unique in that it takes seriously the need to lay a sound ethical basis for dealing with the technology of computers.  The first two chapters of the book take on various positions that challenge the possibility of ethics and meet them head-on with counterarguments. 

The possibility of a viable ethics having been defended, Chapter 3 examines the most promising approaches to ethics, so that the explorer in the new realm with have appropriate tools and, if necessary, weapons at hand.  At the end of the chapter, suggestions are given for approaching any ethical problem.  Once armed, the adventurer is ready to investigate the various parts of the new country, described in the remaining chapters of the book.

ShowKey Features

Completely integrates moral theory with practical issues arising from the use of computer technology.

Offers a more complete and current discussion of the major issues in computer ethics such as privacy, software protection, artificial intelligence, workplace issues, virtual reality and cybersex than any other text.

Contains an abundance of interesting, amusing and sometimes frightening real-world examples that provide readers with ample material for discussion as well as the means to approach them.

The book offers a clear and well-illustrated coverage of the basic concepts of ethics.

Includes comprehensive coverage of all the important and most current issues arising from computer use, making it clear which issues arose first, and which have come later, so that the reader can see the evolution of the application areas of computer ethics.

Allows the reader rich coverage of fundamental problem areas such as privacy and property rights, with useful examples and a solid foundation on which to assess and attempt to solve these problems that develop in connection with computers.

The book provides thorough grounding in ethics before attempting to attack moral issues originating from computer use.

Each chapter ends with a number of challenging questions/essay topics that arise out of the text or encourage the readers to look beyond what has been covered in the text.

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ShowTable of Contents

Preface
Introduction

PART I: Ethical Foundations
Chapter 1. Ethical Decision Making
Chapter 2. Is Ethics Possible?
Chapter 3. The Search for a Basis for Ethics 

PART II: Ethics Applied to a Computerized World
Chapter 4. Software Piracy, Property, and Protection
Chapter 5. Computer Crime
Chapter 6. Computer Intruders, Viruses and All That
Chapter 7. Privacy
Chapter 8. Errors and Reliability
Chapter 9. The Computer World of Work
Chapter 10. Responsibility, Liability, and Professional Ethics
Chapter 11. Computers, the Government, and the Military
Chapter 12. The Artificial Intelligentsia and Virtual Worlds 

Appendix A: Paper #1 - Computer Ethics
Appendix B: ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
Appendix C: IEEE Code of Ethics
Bibliography
Index


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ShowAbout the Author(s)

Stacey L Edgar-SUNY, Geneseo, New York

Stacey L. Edgar, SUNY, Geneseo
Stacey Edgar did undergraduate work in engineering physics and graduate work (MS, MA, PhD) in physics and philosophy, worked for seven years at General Electric as a programmer analyst (providing a strong foundation in scientific computing and computers in general), and has taught computer science and philosophy at SUNY Geneseo since 1975.  Experience in the classroom provided the basis for two prior texts in Fortran programming and a first edition of this textbook on computer ethics.  Edgar is the recipient of a SUNY-wide Chancellor's Award for Excellence and Teaching and of college awards for Excellence in Advising and a Mentoring Award. 

 

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ShowAppropriate Courses

The textbook is intended for undergraduates (though it could be taught at a two-year school), at a liberal arts or an engineering school.

  • Computer Ethics as an introductory level philosophy course.
  • Computers and Society as a secondary course taught in a Computer Science Department.
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