Computers may change the way we do things … or at least may change the scale and speed of transactions in … but the established rules – and moral principles embodied in those rules – cannot be ignored. Working out policies regarding computers calls, in part at least, for extending, modifying, or adapting extant rules.
Predictor: Johnson, Deborah G.
Prediction, in context:In a 1991 article in National Forum, Deborah Johnson, author of “Computer Ethics,” writes: ”Computers are used in a variety of contexts. They are brought into businesses, homes, criminal-justice systems, educational institutions, science, government, etc. And in each of these environments, there are already social arrangements and social relationships … Computers may change the way we do things … or at least may change the scale and speed of transactions in … but the established rules – and moral principles embodied in those rules – cannot be ignored. Working out policies regarding computers calls, in part at least, for extending, modifying, or adapting extant rules (or the principles embodied in such rules).”
Biography:Deborah G. Johnson was a respected scholar in the field of computer ethics in the 1990s. She worked at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and wrote “Computer Ethics & Social Values” (Prentice Hall, 1995) and “Computer Ethics” (Prentice Hall, 1994). (Research Scientist/Illuminator.)
Date of prediction: January 1, 1991
Topic of prediction: Community/Culture
Subtopic: Ethics/Values
Name of publication: National Forum
Title, headline, chapter name: Computers and Ethics
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Kafoure, David