9/7/2017 0 Comments Project 01: Code of EthicsPreamble
Sometimes we become so focused on the details of what we are doing that we forget that every decision has ethical consequences. This code of ethics will not only provide guidelines to ethical behavior, but also serves as a reminder of all the ethical decisions we face everyday. Coding 1.) Don’t plagiarize. Using someone else’s code or ideas for your own gain is stealing. Citing sources and paying for licenses is essential for ethical programming. 2.) Don’t maliciously obscure code. Making code harder to understand can be ethical under certain conditions. However, intentionally obfuscating code so that others cannot do your job is not in the spirit of the agreement you make with your employer. 3.) You are responsible for any code that you release or share. This means that you are responsible for any harm caused by your code, and that you should be able to explain what your code is doing and why. Work Environment 1.) Work to your fullest potential. Out of respect for yourself, your coworkers, and the work in and of itself, it is ethical to only do your best work as to meet or exceed expectations. If your fullest potential isn’t enough to meet the requirements for the task at hand, see the next point. 2.) Own up to your limitations. Don’t pretend to be able to do something you aren’t currently able to do as that can primarily only have negative consequences on the result of the task at hand. If you have some level of ability that’s better than none but less than required, be up front that you’d need to do some extra learning or work in order to complete the task appropriately. 3.) Don’t steal/offer trade secrets. Respect the rights and property of those you’re working with and for. By releasing trade or company secrets you may undermine the time and efforts of all involved with the work at hand. 4.) Respect the skills and experiences that all team members bring. Different perspectives and opinions, handled productively and respectfully, breed optimal results. Varied levels of experience in one scope of work allow the less experienced to receive tutelage from those with greater experience. Conversely, the more experienced may be able to receive fresh insights from those with less (but still reasonable) levels of experience or time in the field. These fresh insights may also be experienced through cross-disciplinary cooperation. Society at Large 1.) Respect data by securing and anonymizing where appropriate. If you go into industry, there is a good chance you will be working with the data of other people. Remember, this is not your data, and it is to be respected. Treat all data as if it were your own. Secure the systems that manage data, and restrict access to it, even within your own company. Anonymize data unless personal information is absolutely necessary. Err on the side of extreme caution, protecting user information is everybody’s responsibility. 2.) Don’t write malicious code. Don’t intentionally write code to harm others. This includes but is not limited to hacking and/or stealing from other individuals or companies. Exploiting code for personal knowledge is acceptable, but using these exploits outside of an educational environment is unethical. 3.) Consider views other than your own. Everyone brings their own unique views and opinions. Actively seek these out, in the hope of gaining new insight. Be wary of your biases own, and look to gather new information, not confirm what you already believe. If you disagree with someone, try to understand why you disagree instead of writing off their view. Notre Dame Students 1.) Recognize opportunity. Notre Dame students have a unique opportunity to learn at an institution that prioritizes the Catholic Mission and provides a strong liberal arts background. Notre Dame computer science students must take advantage of this multifaceted education and bring the lessons of other disciplines into their computer science training. Work to expand the field’s horizons while still being cognizant of the ideals upheld by Notre Dame. This will not only help Notre Dame students uphold the ethical standards outlined in this document, but will challenge students to solve problems in new ways. k 2.) Respect privilege. The ability to study at Notre Dame is a privilege available to only a few. Understand that your presence at this university is a special gift afforded to you not only by your own merit and work but also by the uncontrollable circumstances of your life and those around you. This is not to discredit your accomplishment, but to draw attention to those, who through no fault of their own, cannot be where you are. Give thanks for your privilege, and use its power to promote equity and protect the disadvantaged. 3.) Reflect on the decision to study computer science. As an undergraduate major, computer science is unique in its broad-reaching impact on society. Notre Dame students should reflect on their motivations and intentions of studying computer science. They must ask themselves what drew them to this field and decide how they will give back with the skills gained from their studies. 4.) Reach beyond. It is not enough for you to succeed. Everyone around you must also succeed. Notre Dame students must remember how many people helped them succeed and do the same in turn for others. Teaching is the one of most effective forms of learning, and is beneficial to everyone involved. Notre Dame students must uphold the Notre Dame community and not allow themselves to become self-focused and unnecessarily competitive. *Code of ethics was constructed by Allie Olshefke (aolshefk), Mara Staines (mstaines), John Johnson (jjohns48), and Nikolas Brooks (nbrooks3).
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AuthorNikolas Dean Brooks is a current Senior at Notre Dame. This blog is for the "Ethics and Professional Issues" course under Dr. Peter Bui. Archives |