Consequences of Computing:
A Framework for Teaching
Importance of the Dimensions - Page 15 of 36
Although few proponents of new technology would introduce their product with a claim that it reduces the quality of life, the concept of quality of life is rarely considered in any detail. In fact, many claims for increases in quality of life are unidimensional in their assertions. It is true that many excellent changes in our society have come about as the result of the adoption of computer technology. Scientific problems that could not even be addressed before the advent of super computers can now be routinely studied. Much work in offices, factories, schools, governmental agencies, hospitals, etc. has been made faster, more efficient, and often safer because of the adoption of computing devices. Certainly military technology has been revolutionized by computing in ways that often makes soldiers safer and more effective.
But the question remains to be asked: is faster, better, more, always an increase in quality of life for users of technology? We should consider carefully the possibility that a technology can have some good and some less desirable effects. Certainly this "mixed bag of effects" is supported by the social research on the effects of computing. Under these conditions, the ethical reasoning about the quality of life issues in technology becomes more complex. If one is in fact reasoning based on the outcomes of a technology (a utilitarian strategy) one needs to consider all the outcomes and not just those that make good advertising copy. This kind of reasoning can be difficult but is necessary to the extent that computer professionals want to be honest about the effects of the technologies they design.
Use of power
The knowledge and skill that computer professionals possess gives them
power. And to the extent that new technology is not totally constrained by physical or
mathematical principles, each design decision for that technology is an exercise of power. For
instance, changes in the design of a workstation will inevitably change the way a worker does
his or her job, and thus the decisions made in the redesign of the workstation are an exercise
in power by the designer. The installation of new computer systems in an organization can
change the way information flows and is handled, thus changing power distributions in that
organization. In this way, the computer becomes an instrument of power. Careful thought about
the legitimate exercise of that power is what is the basis for ethical reflection in this area.
Computer professionals both exercise power in their design of systems and have power exercised
over them as members of organizations and work groups. Since they will be involved in carrying
out the wishes of others who direct these organizations and work groups, they will become
familiar with the ethical dilemmas that face those who are agents of others. They have both a
responsibility to be a good agent, and a responsibility to those who are affected by their
actions. Balancing these responsibilities can produce some of the most excruciating ethical
conflicts in the world of computing. Even though it may not be able to resolve them, careful
ethical reflection can help guide the way toward making an informed and thoughtful decision in
these dilemmas.
