PAPER 4
Please read the paper
guidelines before you begin to write.
Write a paper 5-8 pages in length on one of the topics below. Use Internet
sources as well as assigned readings. Explore especially links to EFF,
CPSR, and EPIC.
Topics:
- What is "hacker ethics?". Is Stallman's or another more limited version,
morally defensible? Give reasons for your answer and defend against one or
two of the most powerful rebuttals that you can think of?
- Ideally, a comprehensive national or global computer network should
reflect ethical and social values. In your paper, address one of the
following:
- Regarding freedom of expression, what, if any, censorship is
appropriate on the Internet? Weigh the pros and cons of law that would
regulate what can be said, transmitted and discussed? Be sure to refer
to actual cases reported in readings or in Internet sources. (You may
wish to compare factors relating to freedom of expression over the
Internet with that over other media.
- Who should be held responsible or liable for harmful and
illegal speech over the Internet?
- Some say that proposed rights of intellectual ownership over
computer networks go too far. Evaluate arguments pro and con.
- The Internet has become a meeting place for hate groups,
Neo-Nazis, and pedophiles. What can we, ought we, to do about this?
You may also devise a topic of your own choosing. Please discuss this in
advance with the preceptor or instructor.
DUE DATE: May 6, 5 pm in Julian's mailbox in 2-N-2 Green Hall
Note: an outline of one-half to one page is due no later
than May 1. The outline is not to be handed in but to be discussed, by
individual arrangement, with Preceptor or Instructor.
Grade penalties will be assessed for late papers.
Papers will be accepted in concrete, dead-tree form only!
jdierkes@cs