Computer Ethi:CS
Ethical concerns are frequently ignored in technical fields, but as a society we are discovering their immense importance. Algorithms can have unintended affects due to hidden bias, security and privacy can be affected negatively when decisions are made for technical merit or user convenience. Social media has ushered in myriad issues, from fake news to echo chambers, cyberbulling and more. As computer science has transcended the realm of research to become the substrate of all facets of modern life, the need has emerged to more critically consider the human component.
This course is aimed at the student who has learned enough CS to be dangerous.
We aim to equip any thinker capable of building powerful tools with an awareness of their ethical dimensions: their power, imbued by the developer, to effect “good”/”evil”/other in our world. We do this by examining historical and contemporary case studies, by engaging in frequent in-class discussions and debates, by designing and implementing software and examining outcomes, by writing reports on findings throughout these endeavors.
This course requires extensive reading, writing, coding, discussion, introspection and metaphysical consideration. Prospective students should be prepared to engage regularly in all six.
APCS A is a prerequisite for Computer Ethics