Deborah G Johnson
Biographic Data
| ID | 184817 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Deborah G Johnson |
| GIVEN NAMES | Deborah G |
| FAMILY NAME | Johnson |
| SIGNATURE | JOHNSON D G |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of Virginia |
| VERIFIED | No |
| TOTAL WORKS | 29 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 25 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 29 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 1980 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2025 |
| H-INDEX | 3 |
The sociotechnical entanglement of AI and values
Scholarship on embedding values in AI is growing. In what follows, we distinguish two concepts of AI and argue that neither is amenable to values being ‘embedded’. If we think of AI as computational artifacts, then values and AI cannot be added together because they are ontologically distinct. If we think of AI as sociotechnical systems, then components of values and AI are in the same ontologic category—they are both social. However, even here t…
Understanding the motivations of small-scale miners in Yukon, Canada through a human-nature connection (HNC) framework and meaningful rural work
Expands the definition of ‘nature’ to include both abiotic and biotic elements. • Identifies human-nature connections (HNC) as primary drivers of small-scale mining in Yukon. • Links HNCs to meaningful rural work beyond profit motivations. • Challenges the dualistic paradigm separating humans from nature and material needs. • Proposes mining as an ecosystem service by recognizing earth materials as part of nature. Human–nature connections (HNCs) …
Emerging Technology as Promise and Peril
Recent work in the philosophy of technology draws attention to the connection between technology and the good life. Discourse around emerging technologies also makes this connection, albeit implicitly, when it focuses on the promises and perils of going forward with a nascent technology. Emerging technologies are touted for their potential to bring about increased safety, health, convenience, or enlightenment and disparaged for their perils—dimin…
What is the relationship between computer technology and ethical issues
The question of how a technology can generate an ethical issue generally goes unasked. The question is interesting in its own right and also important for understanding the two things that are brought together in the question, technology and ethics. Focusing on computer technology, the question is answered here first by examining the language used to introduce computer ethical issues and, second, by examining the debate about who should teach and…
Technology and Society, Second Edition: Building Our Sociotechnical Future
Section 3. Local Boundaries
Constructing the Meaning of Humanoid Sex Robots
AI, agency and responsibility: The VW fraud case and beyond
The concept of agency as applied to technological artifacts has become an object of heated debate in the context of AI research because some AI researchers ascribe to programs the type of agency traditionally associated with humans. Confusion about agency is at the root of misconceptions about the possibilities for future AI. We introduce the concept of a triadic agency that includes the causal agency of artifacts and the intentional agency of hu…
Why robots should not be treated like animals
Reframing AI Discourse
AI Anxiety
Recently a number of well‐known public figures have expressed concern about the future development of artificial intelligence (AI), by noting that AI could get out of control and affect human beings and society in disastrous ways. Many of these cautionary notes are alarmist and unrealistic, and while there has been some pushback on these concerns, the deep flaws in the thinking that leads to them have not been called out. Much of the fear and tre…
Recommendations for Future Development of Artificial Agents [Commentary]
A set of technologies, loosely referred to as “artificial agents,” is becoming more pervasive and more powerful in the current computing landscape. All artificial agents are built on a computational foundation. Some are purely computational, e.g., Internet bots, search engines, and others are physically embodied entities with computational decision-making components, e.g., robots, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and autonomous cars. The notewort…
Ethics and Technology ‘in the Making’: An Essay on the Challenge of Nanoethics
Computer systems: Moral entities but not moral agents
Virtual harms and real responsibility
This is a preliminary sort of the ethical and metaphysical issues arising and in general from virtual reality environments. The lessons we learned seem promising, but more analysis remains. Perhaps the most important lesson is that virtual actions and interactions have consequences for flesh-and-blood persons and hence, the flesh controllers of virtual action, whether they control directly (as in playing a character) or indirectly (as in designin…
Data Retention and the Panoptic Society: The Social Benefits of Forgetfulness
Modern information systems not only capture a seemingly endless amount of transactional data, but also tend to retain it for inde nite periods of time. We argue that privacy policies must address not only collection and access to transactional information, but also its timely disposal. One unintended side effect of data retention is the disappearance of social forgetfulness, which allows individuals a second chance, the opportunity for a fresh st…
The ties that bind: Connections, Comet Cursors, and Consent
Electronic communication and commerce facilitate the collection of information about individual use of the Internet. Focusing on the case of Comet Systems Inc. and its data gathering practices, this paper explores the technical details of gathering personal information in databases in general and the special character of the privacy issue raised by 'anonymous' information about individual behavior on the Internet. The case analysis suggests new i…
Computer ethics: Philosophical Enquiry
article Free Access Share on Computer ethics: philosophical enquiry Authors: Deborah G. Johnson Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Institute of TechnologyView Profile , James H. Moor Dartmouth College Dartmouth CollegeView Profile , Herman T. Tavani Rivier College Rivier CollegeView Profile Authors Info & Claims ACM SIGCAS Computers and SocietyVolume 30Issue 4December 2000 pp 6–9https://doi.org/10.1145/572260.572263Published:01 December 2000…
Anonymity, pseudonymity, or inescapable identity on the net (abstract)
The first topic of concern is anonymity, specifically the anonymity that is available in communications on the Internet. An earlier paper argues that anonymity in electronic communication is problematic because: (1) it makes law enforcement difficult (tracking down and catching on-line law-breakers is difficult when their identity is unknown); (2) it frees individuals to behave in socially undesirable and harmful ways (individuals seem to engage …
Cryptography, data retention, and the panopticon society (abstract)
As we move our social institutions from paper and ink based operations to the electronic medium, we invisibly create a type of surveillance society, a panopticon society. It is not the traditional surveillance society in which government officials follow citizens around because they are concerned about threats to the political order. Instead it is piecemeal surveillance by public and private organizations. Piecemeal though it is, It creates the p…
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: The Department of Science and Technology Studies
Is the global information infrastructure a democratic technology
article Free Access Share on Is the global information infrastructure a democratic technology? Author: Deborah G. Johnson Renssaelaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy NY Renssaelaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy NYView Profile Authors Info & Claims ACM SIGCAS Computers and SocietyVolume 27Issue 3Sept. 1997 pp 20–26https://doi.org/10.1145/270858.270865Online:01 September 1997Publication History 23citation407DownloadsMetricsTotal Citations23Total Download…
A Report on the Congressional Fellowship Program, 1993–94 and 1994–95
An abstract is not available for this content so a preview has been provided. As you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button
Who should teach computer ethics and computers & society
article Free Access Share on Who should teach computer ethics and computers & society? Author: Deborah Johnson Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteView Profile Authors Info & Claims ACM SIGCAS Computers and SocietyVolume 24Issue 2June 1994 pp 6–13https://doi.org/10.1145/181900.181901Online:01 June 1994Publication History 21citation489DownloadsMetricsTotal Citations21Total Downloads489Last 12 Months59Last 6 weeks13 Get…
Book Excerpt: Computer Ethics, Second Edition by Deborah G. Johnson (Prentice Hall, 1994)
article Book Excerpt: Computer Ethics, Second Edition by Deborah G. Johnson (Prentice Hall, 1994) Share on Author: Deborah G. Johnson View Profile Authors Info & Claims ACM SIGCAS Computers and SocietyVolume 23Issue 3-4Dec. 1993 pp 10–14https://doi.org/10.1145/164408.1017903Online:01 December 1993Publication History 0citation498DownloadsMetricsTotal Citations0Total Downloads498Last 12 Months15Last 6 weeks2 Get Citation AlertsNew Citation Alert ad…
Ethics and Technology ‘in the Making’: An Essay on the Challenge of Nanoethics
Why robots should not be treated like animals
Data Retention and the Panoptic Society: The Social Benefits of Forgetfulness
Modern information systems not only capture a seemingly endless amount of transactional data, but also tend to retain it for inde nite periods of time. We argue that privacy policies must address not only collection and access to transactional information, but also its timely disposal. One unintended side effect of data retention is the disappearance of social forgetfulness, which allows individuals a second chance, the opportunity for a fresh st…
Understanding the motivations of small-scale miners in Yukon, Canada through a human-nature connection (HNC) framework and meaningful rural work
Expands the definition of ‘nature’ to include both abiotic and biotic elements. • Identifies human-nature connections (HNC) as primary drivers of small-scale mining in Yukon. • Links HNCs to meaningful rural work beyond profit motivations. • Challenges the dualistic paradigm separating humans from nature and material needs. • Proposes mining as an ecosystem service by recognizing earth materials as part of nature. Human–nature connections (HNCs) …
Case Studies: Health Risks and Equal Opportunity
Mark Dalton, a thirty-two-year-old histology technician, was hired six months ago by a large chemical company. He has proven to be highly skilled and produces excellent slides at a rate exceeding his co-workers. Recently, after he took a week's sick leave, the employee health department nurse was surprised to learn that he is suffering from chronic renal disease. His entrance medical questionnaire did not mention any problem. Since his job requir…
Mapping Ordinary Morals onto the Computer Society: A Philosophical Perspective
The use of computers changes the way that individuals relate to one another and to organizations, and it may appear to change rights and responsibilities in these relationships. There is a sharp distinction between the empirical questions and the normative questions that might be raised about the use of computers. It is argued that philosophical, ethical analysis is needed when the moral rules relevant to a situation are not obvious, or when seve…
Ethical Issues Surrounding Toxic substances: Getting Down to the Basics
Iris Murdoch
Book Excerpt: Computer Ethics, Second Edition by Deborah G. Johnson (Prentice Hall, 1994)
article Book Excerpt: Computer Ethics, Second Edition by Deborah G. Johnson (Prentice Hall, 1994) Share on Author: Deborah G. Johnson View Profile Authors Info & Claims ACM SIGCAS Computers and SocietyVolume 23Issue 3-4Dec. 1993 pp 10–14https://doi.org/10.1145/164408.1017903Online:01 December 1993Publication History 0citation498DownloadsMetricsTotal Citations0Total Downloads498Last 12 Months15Last 6 weeks2 Get Citation AlertsNew Citation Alert ad…
Who should teach computer ethics and computers & society
article Free Access Share on Who should teach computer ethics and computers & society? Author: Deborah Johnson Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteView Profile Authors Info & Claims ACM SIGCAS Computers and SocietyVolume 24Issue 2June 1994 pp 6–13https://doi.org/10.1145/181900.181901Online:01 June 1994Publication History 21citation489DownloadsMetricsTotal Citations21Total Downloads489Last 12 Months59Last 6 weeks13 Get…
A Report on the Congressional Fellowship Program, 1993–94 and 1994–95
An abstract is not available for this content so a preview has been provided. As you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: The Department of Science and Technology Studies
Is the global information infrastructure a democratic technology
article Free Access Share on Is the global information infrastructure a democratic technology? Author: Deborah G. Johnson Renssaelaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy NY Renssaelaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy NYView Profile Authors Info & Claims ACM SIGCAS Computers and SocietyVolume 27Issue 3Sept. 1997 pp 20–26https://doi.org/10.1145/270858.270865Online:01 September 1997Publication History 23citation407DownloadsMetricsTotal Citations23Total Download…
Anonymity, pseudonymity, or inescapable identity on the net (abstract)
The first topic of concern is anonymity, specifically the anonymity that is available in communications on the Internet. An earlier paper argues that anonymity in electronic communication is problematic because: (1) it makes law enforcement difficult (tracking down and catching on-line law-breakers is difficult when their identity is unknown); (2) it frees individuals to behave in socially undesirable and harmful ways (individuals seem to engage …
Cryptography, data retention, and the panopticon society (abstract)
As we move our social institutions from paper and ink based operations to the electronic medium, we invisibly create a type of surveillance society, a panopticon society. It is not the traditional surveillance society in which government officials follow citizens around because they are concerned about threats to the political order. Instead it is piecemeal surveillance by public and private organizations. Piecemeal though it is, It creates the p…
Computer ethics: Philosophical Enquiry
article Free Access Share on Computer ethics: philosophical enquiry Authors: Deborah G. Johnson Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Institute of TechnologyView Profile , James H. Moor Dartmouth College Dartmouth CollegeView Profile , Herman T. Tavani Rivier College Rivier CollegeView Profile Authors Info & Claims ACM SIGCAS Computers and SocietyVolume 30Issue 4December 2000 pp 6–9https://doi.org/10.1145/572260.572263Published:01 December 2000…
The ties that bind: Connections, Comet Cursors, and Consent
Electronic communication and commerce facilitate the collection of information about individual use of the Internet. Focusing on the case of Comet Systems Inc. and its data gathering practices, this paper explores the technical details of gathering personal information in databases in general and the special character of the privacy issue raised by 'anonymous' information about individual behavior on the Internet. The case analysis suggests new i…
Data Retention and the Panoptic Society: The Social Benefits of Forgetfulness
Modern information systems not only capture a seemingly endless amount of transactional data, but also tend to retain it for inde nite periods of time. We argue that privacy policies must address not only collection and access to transactional information, but also its timely disposal. One unintended side effect of data retention is the disappearance of social forgetfulness, which allows individuals a second chance, the opportunity for a fresh st…
Virtual harms and real responsibility
This is a preliminary sort of the ethical and metaphysical issues arising and in general from virtual reality environments. The lessons we learned seem promising, but more analysis remains. Perhaps the most important lesson is that virtual actions and interactions have consequences for flesh-and-blood persons and hence, the flesh controllers of virtual action, whether they control directly (as in playing a character) or indirectly (as in designin…
Computer systems: Moral entities but not moral agents
Ethics and Technology ‘in the Making’: An Essay on the Challenge of Nanoethics
Recommendations for Future Development of Artificial Agents [Commentary]
A set of technologies, loosely referred to as “artificial agents,” is becoming more pervasive and more powerful in the current computing landscape. All artificial agents are built on a computational foundation. Some are purely computational, e.g., Internet bots, search engines, and others are physically embodied entities with computational decision-making components, e.g., robots, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and autonomous cars. The notewort…
Reframing AI Discourse
AI Anxiety
Recently a number of well‐known public figures have expressed concern about the future development of artificial intelligence (AI), by noting that AI could get out of control and affect human beings and society in disastrous ways. Many of these cautionary notes are alarmist and unrealistic, and while there has been some pushback on these concerns, the deep flaws in the thinking that leads to them have not been called out. Much of the fear and tre…
Why robots should not be treated like animals
AI, agency and responsibility: The VW fraud case and beyond
The concept of agency as applied to technological artifacts has become an object of heated debate in the context of AI research because some AI researchers ascribe to programs the type of agency traditionally associated with humans. Confusion about agency is at the root of misconceptions about the possibilities for future AI. We introduce the concept of a triadic agency that includes the causal agency of artifacts and the intentional agency of hu…
Section 3. Local Boundaries
Constructing the Meaning of Humanoid Sex Robots
What is the relationship between computer technology and ethical issues
The question of how a technology can generate an ethical issue generally goes unasked. The question is interesting in its own right and also important for understanding the two things that are brought together in the question, technology and ethics. Focusing on computer technology, the question is answered here first by examining the language used to introduce computer ethical issues and, second, by examining the debate about who should teach and…
Computer Science (24 works) · Sociology (14 works) · Political science (13 works) · Epistemology (11 works) · Ethics and Social Impacts of AI (11 works) · Engineering (10 works) · Philosophy (8 works) · Psychology (8 works) · Artificial Intelligence (7 works) · Law (7 works)