Question

The ACM code provides little direction in which of the following six-step process on ethical decision-making as proposed by Edward J. O’Boyle in this research article "An ethical decision-making process for computing professionals".

Group of answer choices

A) Assessment

B) Perception

C) Resolution

D) Decision

Please explain why you picked an answer

Answer 1

The ACM Code of Ethics offers limited guidance in the (option C ) 'Resolution' step of Edward J. O’Boyle's ethical decision-making process, as this step requires context-specific application that generalized codes cannot fully encompass. The dialectical process helps professionals critically engage with ethical questions and evolve their resolutions over time.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) Code of Ethics provides general guidelines for professional conduct but may offer little specific direction in certain steps of ethical decision-making processes, such as those proposed by Edward J. O’Boyle. When considering the six-step process on ethical decision-making proposed by O’Boyle, the step most likely to lack detailed guidance from the ACM Code is (option C) Resolution. This is because resolution involves the application of ethical principles to specific scenarios, which can be heavily dependent on the context and may not be covered comprehensively by a generalized ethical code.

Organizations like the IEEE-CS provide additional resources and ethical codes like the Software Engineering Code of Ethics, yet it's the process of dialectical inquiry — a back-and-forth discussion and refinement of ideas — that helps professionals navigate the complex and nuanced situations they encounter. Ethical decision-making is an open-ended process, involving ongoing moral inquiry and a dialectical process meant to evolve over time as society's values and standards change. The dialectical process distinguishes stronger arguments from weaker ones, applying them critically to real-world situations, and thus is an essential part of ethical resolution.

Answer 2

The six-step process on ethical decision-making proposed by Edward J. O’Boyle includes assessment, perception, evaluation, resolution, decision, and review.

Therefore, all the options are correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) code provides little direction in the Ethical Decision-Making Process on the resolution step.

The six-step process on ethical decision-making proposed by Edward J. O’Boyle in the research article 'An ethical decision-making process for computing professionals' is as follows:

1. Assessment: The process begins with assessing the ethical aspects of a situation, considering the values and principles involved.
2. Perception: Next, individuals must reflect on their beliefs and examine the reasoning behind them, identifying the principles and values they prioritize.
3. Evaluation: In this step, individuals critically examine all arguments and reasons offered in support of their positions, ensuring consistency and coherence in their ethical reasoning.
4. Resolution: Once the evaluation is complete, individuals can reach a resolution or conclusion about the morally correct course of action.
5. Decision: The decision-making step involves choosing and implementing the chosen course of action based on the ethical resolution reached.
6. Review: Finally, the ongoing process of review and reflection continues, allowing for revisions and adaptations as necessary.