This project provides partial support for planning a national conference and clearinghouse on computer ethics. The planning advisory group includes philosophers, computer professionals, and social scientists. Among them are key people in the Association for Computing Machinery, Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers, Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility, and the American Philosophical Association. There are specialists in computing education and accreditation and five journal editors. The principal investigator will circulate a proposal for the conference and clearinghouse to this group, who will critique and expand it. The next version will be circulated to group members, who will meet to discuss and refine the plans further. A new proposal will be submitted to NSF. It will include details about the conference program, who will participate, how prospective attendees will be informed and selected, how the journals which planning group members (and others) edit will be used to further the project, and follow.up and follow.on activities. Computing is changing social interactions and raising new ethical concerns. This project provides a basis for developing an ongoing network that can help us to respond to these new developments with adequate research and educational programs. The investigator and his advisors are exceptionally well qualified to undertake this planning activity; institutional support is very good; the award request is very modest. Support in the amount of $13,755 is recommended.
