On the Precipice?
Tue, Aug 22
In this session, we'll welcome you to our course and scheme for the semester ahead. We have three learning goals for today. By the end of our lecture class, you will
- Understand the overall structure and learning goals for this course.
- Understand basic course norms, and set some goals for our work together this semester.
- Become familiar with the current state of the field of tech ethics, and start thinking about how this corresponds to the reality on the ground in the tech world.
The slides for today's lecture.
Read This:
This is where daily readings (to be completed before class) will be displayed. Before our first meeting:
- Take time to review the Syllabus before we meet. Bring any questions you have about it to class.
- Familiarize yourself with the Course Calendar (and the whole course website).
You should also read and think about these articles:
- Why Software is Eating the World (Andreessen)
- Owning Ethics: Corporate Logics, Silicon Valley, and the Institutionalization of Ethics (Metcalf et al.)
- Programming, Power, and Responsibility (Ko)
These optional readings on various Codes of Conduct and the counterpoint by Bugliarello are also worth glancing at. We'll be discussing various Codes throughout the semester as we progress through different topics.
- ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
- Contributor Covenant
- The Python Code of Conduct
- Xbox's new Code of Conduct: yes to "get wrecked," "potato aim," no to hate (Machkovech)
- Machines, Modifications of Nature, and Engineering Ethics (Bugliarello)
See you in class!