Those in computer-related careers must take personal responsibility for developing strong ethical decision-making skills, as their work could potentially harm the public. The preamble of the Code of Ethics identifies key relationships and obligations for software engineers, who have opportunities to do both good and harm. When analyzing the preamble, there is no single mechanical process for determining right and wrong - subjective judgment is required. The Code reflects principles from multiple ethical theories and engineers should consider how their decisions might affect others and be viewed publicly.

1. PROFESSIONAL
ETHICS

2. The Importance ofTaking Personal
Responsibility
The ability to cause harm to members of the
public is a powerful reason why those in
computer-related careers must act according to
ethical principles.Without formal certification
and licensing and other components of a well-
developed profession to rely upon, those in
computer-related careers must take more
personal responsibility for developing their
ethical decision-making skills.

3. Preamble of Code
■ Software engineers have opportunities to do
good or do harm
■ Software engineers ought to be committed to
doing good
■ Eight principles identify key ethical relationships
and obligations within these relationship
■ Code should be seen as a whole, not a collection
of parts
■ Concern for the public interest is paramount

4. Analyzing the Preamble toThe
Code of Ethics
■ No mechanical process for determining if an action is right or wrong
■ Subjective – No two people may act/interpret it the same
■ Should not take an overly legalistic view of the Code
– If Code doesn’t forbid something, that doesn’t mean it is morally acceptable
– Judgment required
■ Code reflects principles drawn from multiple ethical theories
– Who is affected?
– Am I treating others with respect?
– Would my decision hold up to public scrutiny?
– How will those least empowered my effected?
– Are my acts worthy of the ideal professional?