RISKS forum element

Description of a RISKS forum element from volumes 1-20 (one paragraph). Three of the following: Choosing a specific item from the ACM Ethics, write a paragraph describing why or why not the people in the article were acting ethically with respect to the ethics item that you selected.
Description of a RISKS forum element from volumes 20+ (one paragraph). Three of the following: Choosing a specific item from the ACM Ethics, write a paragraph describing why or why not the people in the article were acting ethically with respect to the ethics item that you selected.

The ethics paper is an important part of your writing grade which is itself worth 100 points on top of the 50 points for the actual ethics activity itself. This is an individual grade.

You are expected to do your due diligence to make your essay a good one. You should do some outside research and/or incorporate ethical ideas from non-ACM sources as well in support of the ideas in your essay. This could be a religious tradition, a favorite philosopher, etc.

Full Answer Section

       

Ethical Implications:

  • ACM Code of Ethics, Principle 1: Public: The developers and manufacturers of the Therac-25 had a responsibility to protect the public from harm. Their failure to do so constitutes a significant ethical breach.
  • ACM Code of Ethics, Principle 2: Client and Employer: The organization responsible for the Therac-25 had a duty to their clients (patients) to provide safe and effective treatment.
  • ACM Code of Ethics, Principle 3: Product: The developers and manufacturers had a duty to ensure the product was designed and implemented correctly.

RISKS Volumes 20+

The Rise of AI and Ethical Concerns

In recent years, the rapid development of artificial intelligence has raised numerous ethical concerns. One such concern is the potential for AI to perpetuate biases and discrimination. For example, AI-powered facial recognition systems have been shown to be less accurate for people of color, leading to biased outcomes.

Ethical Implications:

  • ACM Code of Ethics, Principle 1: Public: Developers and deployers of AI systems have a responsibility to ensure that these systems are fair, unbiased, and do not harm individuals or groups.
  • ACM Code of Ethics, Principle 2: Client and Employer: Organizations that use AI should be transparent about its limitations and potential biases. They should also take steps to mitigate these risks.
  • ACM Code of Ethics, Principle 3: Product: AI systems should be designed and developed in a way that promotes human well-being and avoids unintended consequences.

By examining these examples from RISKS, we can see how technology can have both positive and negative impacts on society. It is crucial for technologists and policymakers to work together to ensure that technology is developed and used responsibly, ethically, and for the benefit of all.

Sample Answer

     

RISKS Forum: A Digital Chronicle of Technological and Ethical Challenges

RISKS is a forum dedicated to discussing risks to the public in computers, computer science, and related technologies. It provides a platform for researchers, practitioners, and enthusiasts to share insights, warnings, and lessons learned.

RISKS Volumes 1-20

A Case Study: The Therac-25

One notable example from the early volumes of RISKS is the Therac-25 radiation therapy machine. This device, due to a series of software and hardware errors, delivered massive overdoses of radiation to patients, leading to serious injuries and deaths. This incident highlights the importance of rigorous software testing, quality assurance, and the ethical responsibility of engineers to ensure the safety of their creations.