Chapter: Software Engineering Code of Ethics: Approved!

Quote:

The Code emphasizes the professional obligations to the public at large. This obligation is the final arbiter in all decisions. “In all these judgments concern for the health, safety and welfare of the public is primary; that is, the ‘public interest’ is central to this code.” The primacy of well being and quality of life of the public in all decisions related to software engineering, is emphasized throughout the code.

What I expect to learn:

To know the approved software engineering code of ethics

Review:                    

It is finally approved – the software engineering code of ethics – and I am glad it is because it will serve as the primary or the most important code of ethics to be considered by developers. Having a fixed basis of the code of ethics for software development, we won’t be confusing ourselves that much because we will be following a set of ethical restrictions without considering making our own ethical code. Just getting down to raw facts, as a software developer, I do find it hard to follow or even make my own code of ethics because I don’t have any idea what to consider, where to consider it, and how to consider it.

I read the short version (come on, who wouldn’t read it in the first place? Everyone is quite curious already)  and I found it, for me personally, complete. I would not really ask to put something more or include another ethical rule in the code of ethics for software engineers because based on what I am experiencing now in this industry, or at least within my practice within school bounds, I know these must be complied and must be followed because without one, there will be imbalance and with too much, a total wreck. But of course, I am never closing doors on the code of ethics as is. I want it to grow as well or maybe the detailed version should cover up something more. Right now, that is fine with me and having read it, it is not only applicable in the IT industry but also applicable in marketing, HR and other industries out there because this is a general concern for all and never a template to just one.

What I learned:

·         IEEE-CS/ACM Joint task force on software engineering ethics

·         professional practices

·         The short version of the software engineering ethics

o    Public

o    Client

o    Employer

o    Product

o    Judgment

o    Management

o    Profession

o    Colleagues

o    self

·         The full version

·         The applied principles

Integrative Questions:            

1.    What does IEEE-CS stands for?

2.    What does ACM stands for?

3.    Why did they develop a joint force ethical approach for software engineering?

4.    Enumerate and explain the short version of the software engineering ethics.

5.    Does the full version of the software engineering ethics makes any difference from the first one? Explain your answer.