Computer Ethics and Social Issues Case Analysis: An Environmental Algorithm By Margaret Anne Pierce John W. Henry Department of M a t h / C S Department Management of apierce@gasou.edu jhenry@gsaix2.cc.gasou.edu Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA 30460 introduction Case analysis is an essential activity used in teaching computer ethics and social issues in computer science. Methods oarently used include oDen-en&d discussion, guided questions, checklists, and the paramedic algorithm [ 1]. In this article, a modified approach is presented that the authors believe will better guide case analysis and ethical decision making in the "real world". The algorithm includes consideration of personal attitudes and contextual norms to formulate alternatives and evaluate those alternatives. Computer Ethics and Social Issues in the Curriculum For a number of years, lraining in computer ethics has been suggested for computer professionals as well as other computer users to include a prcrgram of awareness of issues and provide "... decision-m~ing frameworks for analyzing ethical choices" [2], ( p. 169). Moreover in the 1990's, computer ethics and social issues have found a permanent place in our computer science (CS) and information systems (IS) curricula. Early guidance related to content and form came from publications such as
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