CS 665 - Graduate Tech Ethics

Computing technologies shape our personal, social, and political lives in increasingly complex and consequential ways. It is becoming increasingly clear, if it had not been clear before, that we must grapple with the ethical implications and consequences of algorithmic decision making and computing technology at large. With the advent of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence-which are increasingly becoming key elements of computing technology-and a simultaneous consolidation of power in the technology industry, commonly referred to as Big Tech, this is a perfect time to be studying the ethical, social, legal, and political issues inherent to computing in particular, and technology in general.

Technologies are born and shaped by the societies in which they are developed. Thus, grappling with the ethics of technologies is important not only for ultimately creating more moral technologies but a more moral society. A series of critical readings, reflections, and discussions guide the student through a thorough consideration of issues involved ranging from impacts and harms, to continuums or spectrums of concerns. A series of case studies and consideration of alternative actions develop a students critical reasoning skills and provide them with a mechanism for applying their developing ethical outlook in real life. Finally, a series of ethical approaches and perspectives are presented that show how the history of technology and the existing power dynamics need not be the future of technology.

This is a key course in the Computer Science curriculum which brings home for the student how to apply principles of social justice, equity, and inclusion towards being effective computing professionals in the future.

Course credits: 3