This publication may be reproduced, stored or

transmitted, in any form or by any means ONLY

WITH THE PERMISSION of the Author and Iloilo
Science and Technology University
 Module I: INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS AND COMPUTER
ETHICS
By: Mr. Selmar A. Fufunan

Module Introduction:

Before our discussion begins, let us

first understand the definition of ethics based
on the two definitions below. The first
definition may be too technical or too
philosophical for you to understand and the
second definition which was taken from an
old book is simpler and much easier to
understand as compared to the first
Source: [Link]
definition.

Module Outcomes:

At the end of each topic, the student must have:

1. defined ethics and computer ethics.

Lesson Title: Ethics

Lesson Outcomes:
At the end of the topic, the student must have:

1. discussed what is ethics and the difference between Morals, Ethics, and Laws.

Lesson Contents:

What is Ethics?

According to Singer, P. (2020), the term Ethics refers to the philosophical study
and theory of what is morally right and wrong and what is good and bad. This also
includes any system or code of moral rules, principles, or values which may be
associated with particular religions, cultures, professions, or virtually any other group
that is at least partly characterized by its moral outlook.

On the other hand, according to Reynolds, G. (2007), Ethics is a set of beliefs

about right and wrong behavior and these ethical behaviors conform to generally
accepted social norms which are almost believed by the community.
 From the two definitions, we can say that ethics are a set of belief(s) of what is
right and wrong, and it can refer to behavior, attitude, and morals, values that are
applied to or observed in a society or community, within a family or a certain workplace.

In the above paragraph, the most striking word is “morals” for it is said that this is
where the set of beliefs of what is right and wrong or what we call ethics to originate and
this makes morals and ethics inseparable as what we have read in the first definition.

The morals that a community is observing may differ from one person to another
depending on how these people perceived what is right or what is wrong. Morals differ
from person to person because of the following factors according to Reynolds, G
(2007).

• Age/ Maturity
• Culture
• Family Background/ Environment
• Religion
• Gender
• Experience
• Personal Values
• Education
• Peer Influences
• Other things that may have added to or influenced the existing belief of a certain
person that causes him or her to change his or her ways or existing beliefs.

If it is said that morals differ from person to person, it follows that ethics may also
differ from person to person or from one group of people to another group of people.

Value System

The Value system is the set of

values according to which an individual,
people, society, or organization regulates
their behavior ([Link], 2020).

Source: [Link]

Value System as defined in [Link] (2020) is a set of values that all

moral agents possess, and demonstrated according to their personal choices. The
personal value systems of each person differ from one another; hence there is no
singular value system within a community. This is called an individualistic concept.
This means that a person’s value system is influenced by one's virtues or vices.
Virtues

Virtues are habits that persuade people to do what is acceptable. Example of

virtue are Integrity, Fairness, Courage, Justice, Honesty, Loyalty, Generosity (Andre., C
and Velasquez, M., 2020)

Vices

Vices are habits of unacceptable behavior. Examples of vices include Pride,

Vanity, Greed, Injustice, Envy, and Anger (Fieser, 2017).

The Difference between Morals, Ethics, and Laws

Three words are at play in this discussion and sometimes may cause confusion,
like the word “morals” and “ethics” that were mentioned in the previous topics. This time,
we will separate these two and we will also differentiate morals and ethics from “Laws”.

According to Reynolds, G. (2007), morals are one’s personal beliefs about right
and wrong while ethics describes standards or codes of behavior expected from an
individual by the community to which that individual belongs to. On the other hand, a
Law is a system of rules that tells what a person can and cannot do.

Moreover, according to Perez, A. (2017) Ethics is the moral principles that

govern a person's behavior or how that person conducts an activity. Morals are
concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior and the goodness or badness
of human character. Law is the system of rules that a particular country or community
recognizes as regulating the actions of its members and may enforce by the imposition
of penalties.

As stated by Ethics Centre (2016), a law is different from morals and ethics since
every Law tries to create a basic, enforceable standard of behavior necessary for a
community to succeed and promote equality among people. Because of this, the law is
narrower in focus than ethics or morality.

As further discussed by Perez, A. (2017) Morality refers to one’s personal beliefs

and governs the personal behavior and personal interactions of that person. Ethics, on
the other hand, refers to one’s professional code of conduct or beliefs that govern the
person’s professional behavior and professional interactions. Law governs society as a
whole, often dealing with interactions between individuals regardless of beliefs.

So what do these mean? What is the point in understanding the differences

between morals, ethics, and laws? Are there any relationships between these terms?
Let us take a look at the figure on the next page taken from Perez, A. (2017).
 Ethics

EM EL
EML

Morality ML Law

Source: [Link]

Figure 1.1 Morals, Ethics, and Laws: All three elements conflicting with each other.

Figure 1.1 means that if a person is ethical, then that person abides the law. If the
person is morally oriented then that person is also ethical and is also considered to abide
by the law. However, one can never be an ethical, moral, and law-abiding citizen all
together.

Two people may have the same morals since they were both influenced by the
same parent(s), but they may have different ethics since both have different fields of
expertise but are governed by the same law which is also applicable to other individuals
or groups of people, or community. There is also an instance where individuals may have
different morals, observing the same ethics but are governed by different laws.

References

Andre, C., and Velasquez, M. (2020). Ethics and Virtue. Retrieved from
[Link]
[Link]. (2020). Values System. Retrieved from
[Link]
Ethics Centre. (2016). Ethics, morality, law – what’s the difference?. Retrieved from
[Link]
Fieser, J. (2017). Virtues. Retrieved from
[Link]
Perez, A. (2017). Ethics vs Morals vs Law. Retrieved from
[Link]
Reynolds, G., (2007). Ethics in Information Technology, 2nd Edition. Cengage Learning
Singer, P. (2020). Ethics. Retrieved from [Link]
philosophy
[Link]. (2020). Value-system. Retrieved from
[Link]

Teaching Delivery (TLAs)

• Lecture
• Question-Answer Method

Assessment:

• Quiz
Lesson Title: Computer Ethics

Lesson Outcomes:

At the end of the unit, the student must have:

1. defined Ethics and Computer Ethics.

2. listed the importance of 10 Commandments of Computer Ethics
3. discussed the Professional Code of Ethics and Characteristics of Computer-
Based Technologies that raises Ethical Issues

Lesson Contents:

What is Computer Ethics?

Applying ethics to the use and applications of the

computer system is called Computer Ethics This
definition may also refer to Ethics in Information
Technology which I think is a more technical term as
compared to the term Computer Ethics which can be
considered as a general term. However, both terms
have the same coverage. Let us take a look at some
formal definitions of Computer Ethics below.

As defined by [Link] (2020), Computer ethics deals

with the procedures, values, and practices that govern the process of consuming
computing technology and its related disciplines without damaging or violating the moral
values and beliefs of any individual, organization, or entity. Computer ethics is a
concept in ethics that addresses the ethical issues and constraints that arise from the
use of computers, and how they can be mitigated or prevented.

[Link] (2020), defined Computer ethics as a set of moral

standards that govern the use of computers. It is society’s views about the use of
computers, both hardware, and software. Privacy concerns, intellectual property rights,
and effects on society are some of the common issues of computer ethics.

Based from the given definitions, Computer Ethics, in our simple understanding
again, are a set of rules that one should observe in using computer technology,
computer-based technology, and other related technologies both hardware and
software (including the usage of the Internet and its applications), to avoid or prevent
harmful effects to other computer users, it may refer to a person, a group or company or
even society or community.
Importance of Computer Ethics

Computer ethics protect every individual from online predation such as breach of
privacy, identify theft, interference with work, and unlawful use of proprietary software,
among other events. Computer ethics govern the behavior of users online whether they
use it for social, financial, and legal purposes ([Link], 2020).

The code of computer ethics is also called the Ten Commandments. This
commandment instructs users to not harass other users, use computers to spy, or use
computers to gain access to private information. This also prevents the taking of
intellectual information without compensation and prevents users from using computing
resources without compensation or authorization. Computer ethics also mandate the
use of machines in a manner considerate and respectful of others ([Link],
2020).

Computer Ethics is simply created to protect computer users not only in a certain
company but the computer users or people worldwide. The government of different
countries formulated their laws regarding computer usage and other related
technologies to protect it and its citizens. Computers can be a tool in committing
computer and Internet crimes, violate privacy, intellectual property rights, and freedom
of expression. Issues concerning software development, cyberbullying, and other
related issues are considered the result of wrong computer and Internet technology
usage.

The governments and their private citizens around the globe are entitled to
protect themselves against these kinds of crimes, abuse, and other forms of activities
from both internal and external that may have negative effects on their way of life, and
related activity that may violate their territorial sovereignty. In the Philippines, we have
the Republic Act No. 10175 or Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 to protect us against
violations, abuse, and crimes mentioned above.

The Importance of Integrity

Computer Ethics is to be
observed by all people especially
in the field of Information and
Communication Technology
(ICT) at all times regardless of
whether there is some kind of
monitoring system or none.
People in the field of ICT are
expected to observe the
commandments mentioned
above or at least the policies in
their workplace regarding
computing and set an example to other computer users especially non – ICT users.
However, like other commandments and policies, these are not always observed unless
the implementation is strict and personnel is being monitored 24/7.

Observing and implementing computer ethics and related rules and/or policies
require integrity which will come from each personnel. Integrity means, in a very simple
definition, is doing the right thing even when nobody is looking or the quality of being
honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.

A person with integrity acts by following his or her personal code of conduct or
moral principles. A person’s moral principles are statements of what he or she believes
to be rules of right conduct. If a person is extending the same respect and consideration
to other people, which he or she also expects from others, is said to be a person who acts
with integrity, the cornerstone of ethical behavior (Reynolds, G. 2007). The golden rule
here is, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Luke 6:31 and Matthew
7:12; commonly referred to as the "Golden Rule.").

But sometimes we are caught in a situation wherein we are forced to compromise

our principles and act with a seeming lack of integrity. To avoid this, one is advised to
always remember the 10 Commandments of Computer Ethics.

The 10 Commandments of Computer Ethics

Source: [Link] Accessed
January 13, 2020

1. Thou shalt not use a computer to harm

other people.
2. Thou shalt not interfere with other
people’s computer work.
3. Thou shalt not snoop around in other
people’s computer files.
4. Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.
5. Thou shalt not use a computer to bear
false witness.
6. Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary
software for which you have not paid.
7. Thou shalt not use other people’s
computer resources without
authorization or proper compensation.
8. Thou shalt not appropriate other
people’s intellectual output.
9. Thou shalt think about the social
consequences of the program you are
writing or the system you are designing.
10. Thou shalt always use a computer in
ways that ensure consideration and respect for your fellow humans.
Professional Code of Ethics

The Professional Code of Ethics is a set of guidelines designed to define

acceptable behavior of members of a particular group, organization, and profession.
This code contains the principles and core values that must be observed by a particular
group of people covered by the said code at all times in performing their duty, work,
and/or profession (doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc.) within or sometimes even outside
the workplace.

This code of ethics created by professional organizations mostly has two main
parts, (1) what the organization wants to become and (2) the rules and principles that
the members must abide at all times. Other codes include a commitment to continuing
education for those who practice the profession.
The professional code of ethics is important for the following reasons (Laviña, 2015):

1. Serves as a guide or basis for ethical decision making.

2. To set standards of practice and ethical behavior.
3. To gain trust and respect from the general public.
4. To set an evaluation benchmark for self-assessment.
5. To set standards or guidelines that can be used for recognition, approval, or
disapproval.

Code of Ethics of the Filipino IT Professionals (Laviña, 2015)

1. I will promote public knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of Information

Technology.
2. I will consider the general welfare and public welfare and public good in the
performance of my work.
3. I will advertise goods or professional services in a clear and truthful manner.
4. I will comply and strictly abide by the intellectual property laws, patent laws, and
other related laws in respect of information technology.
5. I will accept full responsibility for the work undertaken and utilize my skills with
competence and professionalism.
6. I will make truthful statements on my areas of competence as well as the
capabilities and qualities of my product and services.
7. I will not disclose or use any confidential information obtained in the course of
professional duties without the consent of the parties concerned except when
required by the laws.
8. I will strive to attain the highest quality in both the products and services that offer.
9. I will knowingly participate in the development of Information Technology.
10. I will uphold and improve the IT professional’s standard through a continuing
profession to enhance the IT profession.

Code of Ethics of Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP)

(Illinois Institute of Technology, 2011)
I acknowledge:

That I have an obligation to management, therefore, I shall promote the

understanding of information processing methods and procedures to management using
every resource at my command.

That I have an obligation to my fellow members, therefore, I shall uphold the high
ideals of AITP as outlined in the Association Bylaws. Further, I shall cooperate with my
fellow members and shall treat them with honesty and respect at all times.

That I have an obligation to society and I will participate to the best of my ability in
the dissemination of knowledge pertaining to the general development and understanding
of information processing. Further, I shall not use knowledge of a confidential nature to
further my personal interest, nor shall I violate the privacy and confidentiality of
information entrusted to me or to which I may gain access.

That I have an obligation to my College or University, therefore, I shall uphold its

ethical and moral principles.

That I have an obligation to my employer whose trust I hold, therefore, I shall

endeavor to discharge this obligation to the best of my ability, to guard my employer’s
interests, and to advise him or her wisely and honestly.

That I have an obligation to my country, therefore, in my personal business, and

social contacts, I shall uphold my nation and shall honor the chosen way of life of my
fellow citizens.

I accept these obligations as personal responsibility and as a member of this

Association. I shall actively discharge these obligations and I dedicate myself to that end.

The Hacking Community’s Constitution (Laviña, 2015)

1. We believe: That every individual should have the right to free speech in
cyberspace.
2. We believe: That every individual should be free of worry when pertaining to
oppressive governments that control cyberspace.
3. We believe: That democracy should exist in cyber space to set a clear example
as to how a functioning element of society can prosper with equal rights and free
speech to all.
4. We believe: That hacking is a tool that should and is used to test the integrity of
networks that hold and safe guard our valuable information.
5. We believe: Those sovereign countries in the world community that does not
respect democracy should be punished.
 6. We believe that art, music, politics, and crucial social elements of all world
societies can be achieved on the computer and in cyberspace.
7. We believe: That hacking, cracking, and phreaking is instruments that can
achieve three crucial goals:
a. Direct Democracy in cyberspace.
b. The belief that information should be free to all.
c. The idea that one can test and know the dangers and exploits of systems
that store the individuals’ information.
8. We believe: That cyberspace should be a governing body in the world
community, where people of all nations and cultures can express their ideas and
beliefs as to how our world politics should be played.
9. We believe: That there should be no governing social or political class or party in
cyberspace.
10. We believe: That the current status of the Internet is a clear example of how
many races, cultures, and peoples can communicate freely and without friction or
conflict.
11. We believe: In free enterprise and friction-free capitalism.
12. We believe: In the open-source movement fully, as no government should adopt
commercial or priced software for it shows that a government may be biased to
something that does not prompt the general welfare of the technology market
and slows or stops the innovation of other smaller company’s products.
13. We believe: That technology can be wielded for the better placement of mankind
and the environment we live in.
14. We believe: That all sovereign countries in the world community should respect
these principles and ideas released in this constitution.

Characteristics of Computer-Based Technologies that raises Ethical Issues

Computers can be used as a tool to commit crime, fraud, and other ethical
related issues in computing, hence it is encouraged that ICT professionals should
commit to abide by their code of ethics. When ICT professionals neglect their duties,
technology can become a threat due to some of its characteristics that are prone to
abuse or misuse.

Logical Malleability

- The computer logic can be designed in almost countless ways by changing its
hardware and/or software to fit the intended purpose or usage (Laviña, 2015).

Impact on Society

- Computers have been used in all kinds of industries to lessen the burden of
manual work and to speed up production. Computers and computer-based
technologies become common household tools or appliances. This
technology has created a great impact on today’s society (Laviña, 2015).
Invisibility Factor
- Computer operations are invisible and this invisibility according to Moore has
three kinds and has ethical significance (Laviña, 2015).

1. Invisible Abuse: Moor describes this as: “the intentional use of the
Invisible operations of a computer to engage in unethical conduct.” The
invasion of the property and privacy of others, computers can be
programmed to surreptitiously remove or alter confidential information
(Laviña, 2015).

2. Invisible Programming Values: These are values embedded into a

computer program created based on an individual’s judgment (can be the
programmer, etc.) of what is important and what is not. These values are
embedded in the product and are invisible to someone who uses the
program (Laviña, 2015).

3. Invisible Complex Calculation: Computer’s calculation became too complex

for human inspection and understanding, and this raises the question of
how much we should trust the computer’s invisible calculation (Laviña,
2015).

Moral Responsibilities of Computer Professional

According to Laviña (2015), professionals are believed to have special moral

obligations to their clients to be worthy of trust, and this leads to obligations of honesty,
candor, competence, diligence, loyalty, and discretion, and it goes the same to the ICT.
Professionals. Professionals should be bounded by standards of obligations to their
clients, regardless of their specific profession type. Some professionals in the field of
I.T. are responsible for developing safety-critical systems (aircraft and air traffic control
systems, mass transportation systems, nuclear reactors, missile/defense systems,
medical treatment systems) and have significant opportunities to:
• Do good or cause harm.
• Enable others to do good or cause harm.
• Influence others to do good or cause harm.
References:

afolabidare. (2013). Computer Ethics. Retrieved from

[Link]
Illinois Institute of Technology. (2011). Code of Ethics (1981). Retrieved from
[Link]
Laviña, C. (2015). Social, Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Computing.
Mindshapers Co., Inc.
[Link]. (2020). What Is the Importance of Computer Ethics?. Retrieved from
[Link]
ec81d2b2a4e8dc79
[Link]. (2020). Computer Ethics. Retrieved from
[Link]
[Link]. (2020). Computer Ethics. Retrieved from
[Link]

Teaching Delivery (TLAs)

• Face to face
• Class Discussion
• Lecture

Assessment:
• Quiz
• Assignment
 ASSIGNMENT
Score

Part 1: Research (Cite your reference or the complete detail of the book, URL, etc. you
used as a reference.

1. Enumerate the Code of Ethics of your profession/organization/association.

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
2. What are the steps in ethical decision making? Explain each step briefly.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

Part 2: Essay
3. Cite and explain the differences or relationships between morals, ethics, and law
in the war against drugs by our government.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

4. Cite and explain the differences or relationships between morals, ethics, and law
in the issue of same-sex marriage.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
 ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

5. You have just completed interviewing three candidates for an entry-level position
in your company. One candidate is the friend of a coworker who has implored you
to “give his friend a chance.” The candidate is the weakest of the three but has
enough skills and knowledge to adequately fill the position. Would you hire this
candidate (taken from Ethics in Information Technology, 2nd Edition, by George
Reynolds)?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________