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First, Do No Harm - A Hippocratic Oath for Coders?

Posted by Cliff on from the code-and-ethics dept.

rhysweatherley asks: "With the increase in spyware, spam, etc, is it time for a Hippocratic Oath for Programmers? Should programmers be able to refuse to write code that harms the public more than it helps? Should they code defensively to prevent software and information being misused for unintended purposes? And how do we protect such programmers from being dismissed unfairly for standing on principle?"

2 of 538 comments (clear)

  1. Re:when you wont do it.... by Publicus · · Score: 5, Interesting

    they'd just fire you and hire someone else. If you are unwilling especialy now there will be 10 other people willing to do it and take your job if you aren't.

    You're missing the point. First of all, I don't think there's 91% unemployment among software developers. Secondly, if there was any kind of organization among programmers independent of the employer then the employer would have a hard time bringing down this type of action.

    I don't think a "union" would occur, but I wouldn't be surprised if a professional organization of ethical programmers would arise. I would imagine members could fetch a better salary, especially if there was some competency requirement, as doctors have the Medical Board exams.

    It would hurt the self made programmer, but I would certainly rather see that type of accreditation than what we have today: MCSE, MCSA, etc...

    --

    My Karma was at 49, then they switched to words. All that work for nothing!

  2. Giving a code of ethics teeth by Animats · · Score: 5, Interesting
    The National Society of Professional Engineers has a code of ethics that means something:
    • 1. Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.
    • a. If engineers' judgment is overruled under circumstances that endanger life or property, they shall notify their employer or client and such other authority as may be appropriate.
    • b. Engineers shall approve only those engineering documents that are in conformity with applicable standards. ...
    • e. Engineers having knowledge of any alleged violation of this Code shall report thereon to appropriate professional bodies and, when relevant, also to public authorities, and cooperate with the proper authorities in furnishing such information or assistance as may be required.

    This works. Very few structures fall down in the developed world because of engineering errors.

    One way would be to require that programs whose malfunction can cause nontrivial harm be signed and sealed by a registered professional engineer, the way building plans are signed. To give this teeth, certificates for code-signing would be issued only through registered professional engineers.

    Someday, programming may grow up and go this route.