Computer Ethics: A Case-based Approach

Computer Ethics: A Case-based Approach teaches students to solve ethical dilemmas in the field of computing, taking a philosophical, rather than a legal, approach to the topic. It first examines the principles of Idealism, Realism, Pragmatism, Existentialism, and Philosophical Analysis, explaining how each of them might be adopted as a basis for solving computing dilemmas. The book then presents a worksheet of key questions to be used in solving dilemmas. Twenty-nine cases, drawn from the real-life experiences of computer professionals, are included in the book as a means to let students experiment with solving ethical dilemmas and identify the philosophical underpinnings of the solutions.

Robert N. Barger is an Associate Professor in the Computer Applications Program at the University of Notre Dame and Professor Emeritus at Eastern Illinois University, where he received several awards for teaching excellence. He has spent the last thirty-six years teaching and writing on computer ethics and educational issues.