IS 350
Assignment 1: Ethical Case Analysis
last modified 08/2020
Due Dates
Refer to the schedule of deliverables for the due date
Aims
Learn how to conduct an ethical analysis of a socio-technical scenario (a computing-related issue that affects people).
To use the ethical theories and professional codes of ethics we have learned to analyze a socio-technical scenario. This will help you better understand the theories and codes, as well as gain practice in using them.
Preparation
Review the 5 videos on How to Do an Ethical Analysis (see Canvas Assignment 1 section).
Review the grading rubric for Assignment 1 (see Canvas Assignment 1 section).
Assignment – Analysis
Each person will first do the full analysis (all parts) of the scenario, on your own, submitting that analysis to: Submit Assignment 1 Report – for Grading in Canvas.
Analysis Sections
Each analysis (individual) contained in the deliverable will include all the following sections for the scenario.
Follow the Grading Rubric as a guide on how your assignment should be written!
Each section should be separate and marked with its own section title.
Identify the moral agent (agency).
What of value is at stake?
Who/what are the stakeholders?
Possible courses of action (identify at least 2). For each, state: “A possible course of action is XXX”.
Consequences associated with each course of action. For each, state: “A(nother) consequence of the action XXX is YYY”.
Analyze the case using ALL of the objective ethical theories (Act Utilitarianism, Rule Utilitarianism, Kantianism, Social Contract Theory/Rawls’ Principles of Justice, and Virtue Theory).
Identify any clauses in both the ACM Code of Ethics and the Software Engineering Code of Ethics that would apply to this situation. Give the clause number and the actual clause and then state how and why each would apply. The clauses in the codes are generic enough that several can apply. A minimum of 3 codes for each code of ethics.
(Warning: Do not say they are software related and the case is not about software. There are broader principles that do apply because the cases concern computing and/or the design of systems with socio-technical aspects.)
Concrete action that you would recommend (supported by your analysis). Justify your recommendation by clearly explaining why. It must be one of the actions you mentioned in number 4.
Bibliography: You must reference all materials used. (The bibliography is not part of your page count.)
Deliverables – What to Submit on Canvas
Your analysis document should be kept to 5-6 pages (not counting the bibliography) as you will be copying and pasting each section into the Assignment 1 Report for Grading assignment
Late submissions will not be accepted unless there are extenuating circumstances and prior approval of the instructor has been received.
What you will submit to the assignment titled: Submit Assignment 1 Report – for Grading
The assignment 1 for grading is setup as a Quiz, therefore you will use the word document you have created, to cut and paste your responses into the Quiz “questions”. This is will be how the assignment is actually graded. If you do not do this part you will receive a zero.
Notes
The subject headings from sections above, correspond to the Question titles
Grading Rubric
The grading rubric (form) is posted on Canvas. Understand it before you write or submit your analysis.
Scenario to Analyze
The case is listed within the Assignment 1 section in Canvas is for this case analysis.
Important Notes:
1. You must use the case given in Canvas, DO NOT use your Current events topic or any other topic. DO NOT MAKE UP A TOPIC!
2. Make sure that you have read and understand the grading rubric before you do your analysis.
3. It will not be accepted late
