5 ms·
The ethical and competency attributes are still relevant. Particularly with respect to actual engineering (architecture of the overall solution) aspects of log
by mjevans 10y ago
The ethical and competency attributes are still relevant. Particularly with respect to actual engineering (architecture of the overall solution) aspects of logic systems development and deployment.
- slg 10y agoI think one of the main problems with ethics is the abstract nature of software and development. Let's say you create an encryption algorithm. That algorithm can be used by terrorists and pedophiles or it can be used by banks and civil disobedients. Or let's say you create an encryption breaking algorithm. That algorithm can be used by law enforcement and the judicial system or it can be used by identity thieves and oppressive governments. Are you as the developer responsible for all those uses? It is hard enough to know how your employer will use your code in the future, but it would be literally impossible for any open source software.
- marichards 10y agoThis kind of argument applies to anything, even paper. Encryption is just a tool. A pipe can be used to hide and carry water, it can also be tampered with to poison someone or conceal explosives.
- slg 10y agoWhich is why we don't force an ethical code on those producing pipes. We instead decided to regulate their finished product. However if someone on HN suggests regulating encryption, they aren't met with the most open arms.