Module Question 2

1. This is about the student handbook on computing for the students of Virginia University (Please surf for it). Read and understand their handbook. If you are to become a part of the VSU team who will formulate a handbook like that of Virginia University, give at least 2 policies that you want to be implemented in VSU or even just for CS students like you, regarding computing . Also include sanction or sort of punishment to those who will violate the said policy.

Policy I: Use of computers in the university as a tool for hacking is highly prohibited.

Sanction: Expulsion in the university and sometime imprisonment.

Policy II: Installing software to any computer in the university without authority is prohibited.

Sanction: Suspension from the class for 2 weeks.

2. According to the definition of ethics, it can be connected to the norms or custom of the society. What could be ethical to one could be unethical to another. If this is the case, in which ethics seem to be subjective in nature, why is there a need to study computer ethics at all? Support your opinion with facts.

According to Jones and Bartletts Book of Computer Ethics, “computer ethics deals with practical problems and focuses on the nature of moral action and responsibility.”  And as for Johnson’s 3 P’s:

1. Privacy - I will protect my privacy and respect the privacy of others.

2. Property - I will protect my property and respect the property of others.

3. Appropriate Use - I will use technology in constructive ways and in ways which do not break    the rules of my family, church, school, or government.

It’s a fact that nowadays our lives are most influenced by the latest high technology devices. Studying computer ethics is really important to have the knowledge of what is wrong or not in the world of computers. Cybercrimes are most likely a trend today, one way of stopping and reducing these illegal acts is to orient everybody about computer ethics.

3. There are 4 types of non-jural law, Divine, natural, moral and physical. If you are to practice just one type of the non-jural law for the entire existence of your life, what would it be and why?

            I would surely practice the Divine Law, for it is straightly given to us by our God who rules and owns everything in the Universe. For me other laws written or unwritten are all derived from the Divine Law, the name is just different but the thought is still the same, like murder or homicide or even suicide is illegal for other laws, but it’s only the same as “Thou shall not kill” from the Ten Commandments.