A Case Study for Computer Ethics in Context

Aimed at addressing the difficulties associated with teaching often abstract elements of technical ethics, this book is an extended fictional case study into the complexities of technology and social structures in complex organizations. Within this case study, an accidental discovery reveals that the algorithms of Professor John Blackbriar are not quite what they were purported to be. Over the course of 14 newspaper articles, a nebula of professional malpractice and ethical compromise is revealed, ultimately destroying the career of a prominent, successful academic. The case study touches on many topics relevant to ethics and professional conduct in computer science, and on the social structures within which computer science functions. Themes range from the growing influence of generative AI to the difficulties in explaining complex technical processes to a general audience, also touching on the environmental consequences of blockchain technology and the disproportionate gender impacts of Coronavirus. Each new revelation in the case study unveils further layers of complexity and compromise, leading to new technical and social issues that need to be addressed. Directly aimed at making ethics in the digital age accessible through the use of real-world examples, this book appeals to computer science students at all levels of the educational system, as well as making an excellent accompaniment to lecturers and course convenors alike.

Dr Michael James Heron is a senior lecturer in interaction design and has been working with ethics in computer science and in gaming for pretty much his entire career. He has seen some things. Pauline Helen Belford is a teacher in interaction design and games and has been involved in the educational system at all levels of the curriculum for two decades. She too has seen some things.

1. About This Case Study 2. Using The Case Study 3. A Scandal in Academia 4. Student Suspensions at Scandal Ridden University 5. Multimillion Pound Consequences for Research Fiddle 6. Students Speak Out 7. Leaked Minute Lays Bare University Culture 8. BrokenBriar Affair Heating Up - Lawyers Involved 9. Senior University Members Implicated in Growing Scandal 10. Drunken Professor Lashes Out in Twitter Storm 11. Culture of Fear and Nepotism at University 12. Witch-Hunts at the University - IT Crackdown Causes Criticisms 13. Hacker is Postgraduate Student 14. Clean Out At Scandal Linked Journals 15. Student Journalism Outs Senior Academics 16. Resignations All Around at the University of Dunglen 17. Postscripts 18. Acknowledgements