Introducing ethics in Information and Computer Sciences

Although ethics is often viewed as an academic specialism or an add-on to training programmes in technology and science, it is in fact an area of the utmost relevance to professionals and, indeed, everyone. This free course, Introducing ethics in Information and Computer Sciences, draws upon examples taken from dialogues, plays and the media to discuss ethics and ethical issues within the context of Information and Computer Sciences. The course explores the importance of language and the role of rhetoric in everyday ICS practice, providing a resource of interest to ICS students and professionals alike.

Course learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

Discuss what ethics is and what constitutes an ethical issue

Identify and discuss ethical issues that arise in the media, in routine conversations and, in particular, in personal everyday professional practice

Discuss the role of emotions in ethical deliberations

Discuss how negotiation might resolve apparent ethical differences

Identify and discuss the ethical issues presented and rhetorical styles used in play and dialogue excerpts, with focus on explaining how language is used to alter other people’s ethical perceptions and convince them of specific points.