You are asked to read Chapter 8 (Computer Ethics) from the course book: Introduction to Engineering

Ethics, Mike W. Martin and Roland Schinzinger. Then answer the following questions 1, 2, 3, and 4 at the

end of the chapter:

2)

Dependence on computers has intensified the division of labor within engineering. For example,

civil engineers designing a flood control system have to rely on information and programs

obtained from systems analysts and implemented by computer programmers. Suppose the

systems analysts refuse to assume any moral or legal responsibility for the safety of the people

affected by the flood control plans, arguing that they are merely providing tools whose use is

entirely up to the engineers. Should the civil engineers be held accountable for any harm caused

by poor computer programs? Presumably their accountability does extend to errors resulting

from their own inadequate specifications that they supply to the computer experts. Yet should

not the engineers also be expected to contract with computer specialists who agree to be partially

accountable for the end-use effects of their programs?