Current Issues In Computing And Philosophy

Focuses on the multi-faceted 'computational turn' that is occurring through the interaction of the disciplines of philosophy and computing. This book explores the phenomenon of virtual worlds. It focuses on robots and artificial agents. It discusses the relation between human mentality and information processing in computers.

Focuses on the multi-faceted 'computational turn' that is occurring through the interaction of the disciplines of philosophy and computing. This book explores the phenomenon of virtual worlds. It focuses on robots and artificial agents. It discusses the relation between human mentality and information processing in computers.

This book features a unique selection of works presented at the 2019 annual international conference of the International Association for Computing and Philosophy (IACAP). Every contribution has been peer-reviewed, revised, and extended. The included chapters are thematically diverse; topics include epistemology, dynamic epistemic logic, topology, philosophy of science and computation, game theory and abductive inferences, automated reasoning and mathematical proofs, computer simulations, scientific modelling, applied ethics, pedagogy, human-robot interactions, and big data, algorithms, and artificial intelligence. The volume is a testament to the value of interdisciplinary approaches to the computational and informational turn. We live in a time of tremendous development, which requires rigorous reflection on the philosophical nature of these technologies and how they are changing the world. How can we understand these technologies? How do these technologies change our understanding of the world? And how do these technologies affect our place as humans in the world? These questions, and more, are addressed in this volume which is of interest to philosophers, engineers, and computer scientists alike.

This textbook highlights the essential need for a strong ethical framework in our approach to teaching of and working in computer, information and engineering sciences. Through thought-provoking questions and case studies, the reader is challenged to consider the deeper implications arising from the use of today’s rapidly evolving computing technologies and ever-changing communication ecosystems. This thoroughly revised and updated third edition features revised chapters with new and updated content and hardened the ethical framework. To cope with the rapidly changing computing and telecommunication ecosystem, a new chapter, Ethics and Social Responsibility in the Metaverse, has been added. The interface between our current universe and the evolving metaverse presents a security quagmire. The discussion throughout the book is candid and intended to ignite students’ and professionals’ interest and active participation in discussions of the issues we are facing now and those likely to emerge in the near future. Topics and features—including fully updated content: Introduces a philosophical framework and tools for understanding and analyzing computer ethics in personal, public, and professional spheres Describes the impact of computer technology on issues of security, privacy, anonymity, and civil liberties Discusses the security and ethical quagmire in the platforms of the developing metaverse (NEW chapter) Examines intellectual property rights in the context of computing, including the risks and liabilities associated with software Discusses such key social issues in computing as the digital divide, employee monitoring in the workplace, and risks to physical and mental health Reviews the history of computer crime, and the threat of digitally facilitated bullying, harassment, and discrimination Considers the ethical challenges arising from online social networks, mobile telecommunication technologies, virtual reality, the Internet of Things and 5G technologies Includes learning objectives, discussion questions and exercises throughout This concise and accessible work addresses the critical ethical and moral issues important to all designers and users of computer technologies. The text incorporates the latest curricula requirements for undergraduate courses in computer science, as well as offers invaluable insights into the social impact and legal challenges posed by the latest generation of computing devices and networks.

This book features papers from CEPE-IACAP 2015, a joint international conference focused on the philosophy of computing. Inside, readers will discover essays that explore current issues in epistemology, philosophy of mind, logic, and philosophy of science from the lens of computation. Coverage also examines applied issues related to ethical, social, and political interest. The contributors first explore how computation has changed philosophical inquiry. Computers are now capable of joining humans in exploring foundational issues. Thus, we can ponder machine-generated explanation, thought, agency, and other quite fascinating concepts. The papers are also concerned with normative aspects of the computer and information technology revolution. They examine technology-specific analyses of key challenges, from Big Data to autonomous robots to expert systems for infrastructure control and financial services. The virtue of a collection that ranges over philosophical questions, such as this one does, lies in the prospects for a more integrated understanding of issues. These are early days in the partnership between philosophy and information technology. Philosophers and researchers are still sorting out many foundational issues. They will need to deploy all of the tools of philosophy to establish this foundation. This volume admirably showcases those tools in the hands of some excellent scholars.

A unique resource exploring the nature of computers and computing, and their relationships to the world. Philosophy of Computer Science is a university-level textbook designed to guide readers through an array of topics at the intersection of philosophy and computer science. Accessible to students from either discipline, or complete beginners to both, the text brings readers up to speed on a conversation about these issues, so that they can read the literature for themselves, form their own reasoned opinions, and become part of the conversation by contributing their own views. Written by a highly qualified author in the field, the book looks at some of the central questions in the philosophy of computer science, including: What is philosophy? (for readers who might be unfamiliar with it) What is computer science and its relationship to science and to engineering? What are computers, computing, algorithms, and programs?(Includes a line-by-line reading of portions of Turing’s classic 1936 paper that introduced Turing Machines, as well as discussion of the Church-Turing Computability Thesis and hypercomputation challenges to it) How do computers and computation relate to the physical world? What is artificial intelligence, and should we build AIs? Should we trust decisions made by computers? A companion website contains annotated suggestions for further reading and an instructor’s manual. Philosophy of Computer Science is a must-have for philosophy students, computer scientists, and general readers who want to think philosophically about computer science.

This textbook raises thought-provoking questions regarding our rapidly-evolving computing technologies, highlighting the need for a strong ethical framework in our computer science education. Ethics in Computing offers a concise introduction to this topic, distilled from the more expansive Ethical and Social Issues in the Information Age. Features: introduces the philosophical framework for analyzing computer ethics; describes the impact of computer technology on issues of security, privacy and anonymity; examines intellectual property rights in the context of computing; discusses such issues as the digital divide, employee monitoring in the workplace, and health risks; reviews the history of computer crimes and the threat of cyberbullying; provides coverage of the ethics of AI, virtualization technologies, virtual reality, and the Internet; considers the social, moral and ethical challenges arising from social networks and mobile communication technologies; includes discussion questions and exercises.

Philosophy and Computing is the first accessible and comprehensive philosophical introduction to information and communication technology. Using clear and simple language, Luciano Floridi explores each of the following areas of technology: the digital revolution; the computer; the Internet and the Web; CD-roms and Multimedia; databases, textbases, and hypertexts; Artificial Intelligence; the future direction of computing Philosophy and Computing is essential reading for anyone interested in the development and history of information and communication technology as well as the philosophical issues it ultimately raises.