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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?"

1 of 538 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Even doctors are abanodning the Hippocratic Oat by taxman_10m · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    That one is a little different than the 1948 Geneva version I have seen.

    I solemnly pledge myself to consecrate my life to the service of humanity;
    I will give to my teachers the respect and gratitude which is their due;
    I will practice my profession with conscience and dignity; the health of my patient will be my first consideration;
    I will maintain by all the means in my power, the honor and the noble traditions of the medical profession; my colleagues will be my brothers;
    I will not permit considerations of religion, nationality, race, party politics or social standing to intervene between my duty and my patient;
    I will maintain the utmost respect for human life from the time of conception, even under threat, I will not use my medical knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity;
    I make these promises solemnly, freely and upon my honor.