CSE 1111 Notes for Week 3

1/30/03

1. For Thursday 2/6, to get a look at what 2 groups consider appropriate professional ethical behavior, read through the ACM Code of Ethics and the IEEE Code of Ethics at:

http://www.acm.org/constitution/code.html

http://www.ieeeusa.org/DOCUMENTS/CAREER/CAREER_LIBRARY/ethics.html

2. The topic for this week is: Philosophical Ethics

Answer the following questions using resources you find on the web or in textbooks. If you use any of the information from one of the web pages or a book, be sure to cite your source, i.e., include the web page address (URL) or the book reference in your answer.

1) What is ethical relativism? In what way does this theory seem to “make sense” as a way to conduct one’s life? In what ways does this theory seem cause problems?

2) What is utilitarianism? In what way does this theory seem to “make sense” as a way to conduct one’s life? In what ways does this theory seem cause problems?

3) What is the categorical imperative? Explain what the statement means (in your own words). In what way does this theory seem to “make sense” as a way to conduct one’s life? In what ways does this theory seem cause problems?

4) Find information on another philosophical theory, and answer the same questions about that theory (i.e., what does it say, what are the pros and cons of trying to apply it).

You are to put your answers to these questions in a text file or a Word file, called Questions_Week3. Be sure to cite your references.

Then, by 2/6, send a single email with

subject: HW1 – Name1 (e.g., HW1 – Mary Smith)

send to: cse1111a@cse.uta.edu

and include the 3 readings files as separate attachments to that single email

2. Timetable ---

2/6: HW1 due next week; both Word and Excel tests should be completed

2/13: Quiz #1 covering What is Computer Ethics? Philosophical Ethics, Professional Ethics & Dr. Shirazi’s presentation

3. CUP --- Possible times this week to do the Word/Excel tests are listed below. No need to sign up, just come in --- first come, first served --- at the discretion of the TA. Sessions: in124NH.

Fri 1/31     1:00 – 5:00  (in connection w/ open lab)  

Sat 2/1      12:00 – 3:00  (in connection w/ open lab)

Tues 2/4 7:00 – 10:00  (in connection w/ open lab)

If you are interested in getting some help with the use of Excel, stay after class for a few minutes today to work with a TA. Sit in the center section right after class.

If you are unable to complete the tests in any of the scheduled times, see Dr. Peterson after class today to discuss alternatives. Both tests are to be completed by 2/6.

4. Recap ---- To this point in class, you should have submitted the following:

Printed, signed and returned the College of Engineering ethics statement.

Emailed your Intro statement to Dr. Peterson’s email address

If you have not submitted those, you are still expected to do so.