The course Ethical Computing is viewed as a vital component in the IS competence field called ‘Sustainable IS'. As intelligent and ubiquitous IT architectures are on the rise in both corporate and private contexts, it is vital to build systems so that they do not undermine human values. How do we build systems in such a way that people remain in control? How autonomous should machines and devices be when they take decisions for users and trigger actions? How much transparency and feedback is necessary for users to trust intelligent environments? How can companies demonstrate their accountability? How can systems be designed to be safe? How can friendship be maintained in environments interwoven with IT? Such questions on control, autonomy, transparency, trust, accountability, safety and friendship are all, essentially, ethical questions. The goal of this course is to introduce students to these values in details and how they play out in detail in the construction and deployment of future information services. 

After attending this course, students:

§ are aware of the main ethical issues involved in the design of computer systems
§ know about core system design options to build ethically sustainable systems
§ understand how management objectives can collide with ethically established values
§ understand how ethical issues and decision trade-offs drive technical architectures

According to the examination regulation full attendance is intended for a PI.

This course is based on the textbook “Ethical IT Innovation – A Value Based System Design Approach”. Students will learn about core values relevant for the design of IT systems. Each class covers one value in particular. A lecture is given. Discussions, videos and group-work create a vivid learning environment. 

 20% Power Point Karaoke & Attendance

You are required to read the chapter we covered in a class and be prepared to present and discuss 1-2 slides that recap the content of the chapter covered in the previous class. You will be called by chance. If you are not in class, you will be graded with a ‘5’ for this part of your grade.

 30% Group Work

In a group of 2 people you are asked to prepare a 15 minute presentation on one value that has been assigned to you.

 50% Final Exam

During our last class 90 minutes will be dedicated to a final exam that is based on slide material and chapters.