Computer Ethics and Intelligent Technologies

Abstract

This article is a survey of moral and social challenges related to the development of intelligent technologies and the emerging phenomenon of the Semantic Web. We explicate the ethical issues arising from the growing popularity of intelligent software agents and Web-based knowledge representation systems. In this context, we consider the growing technical capabilities of intelligent software tools vs. corresponding social and moral responsibilities. Moreover, the rapidly changing software engineering environment is reshaping the role of an educator in the design and development of computerized systems in general and intelligent tools in particular. From this perspective, the integrated approach to software engineering education is discussed and analyzed.