ACM Code of Ethics

ACM Code of Ethics starts with “Contribute to society and human well-being, acknowledging that all people are stakeholders in computing.” The general principles section of ACE focuses on society and how we should respect other people’s rights, and therefore, I think it is safe to say that it falls under Utilitarianism.

By taking a look at ACE, I can immediately conclude that it is a Code of Ethics and not a Code of Conduct. It is general, broad, and not specific in any way. It sounds like rules you should follow in life, and it does not look like something that ACM enforces.

I think the ACM Code of Ethics has heavily influenced my code of ethics. In my freshman year, I was part of the ACM Student Chapter, and I read ACE then. Ever since then, I have always wanted to follow its general principles.

If I were to categorize ACE into Teleological or Deontological, I would say it is Teleological. In section 1.2, it even mentions that even though you might have had good intentions, if something goes wrong, you need to do as much as you can to undo your harm.

I did not find anything that might make ACE fall under relativism. It always talks about what needs to be done. I think it is safe to assume that ACE falls under absolutism.