The Copy and
Paste Feature in Today’s Computer Science
Computer science, lime many other sciences, is constantly changing. New
features are being engineered to replace old features to make life “easier” for
mankind. As Summers
and Markusen point out [computer science is guided by the ideology
of public service.] But, are all of these new features truly a public service?
The copy and paste feature is in fact not one of the newer features
however it has drastically changed the face of computers since its
inception. It allows for simple transfer
of information from one source onto the next with little effort. It has indeed
made life simpler for humankind. Using
the copy and paste feature allows for work to be quick in simple in that
instead of writing each word out to get the previously existing information
onto a new piece of work you literally copy what is already there. Having said
this it saves time and money. Workers in the computer science profession then
have more energy to focus on more important tasks instead of tediously re-writing
what is already there. Copy and paste is a very beneficial invention.
The copy and paste feature has many benefits as you can see but it also has several very serious drawbacks. With a simple touch of the keyboard one thought, idea or image is transferred from one source to the next. But where are the regulations for this? Copyrighting is a serious violation yet there is little security to regulate this issue. Summers and Maruksen’s research shows that practices such as [illegal duplication need careful exposure and analysis in terms of ethical principles.] Clearly there is not enough regulation when it comes to using information to one’s advantage without properly recognizing the primary source for it. There are such things as a code of ethics but again as Summers and Markusen point out simply [having codes of ethics does not guarantee ethical behavior.] Also, the ACM Code of Ethical Conduct asserts that computing is not even mentioned in it but the Code of Ethics [should be applied to the profession] anyways. If there are no code of ethics specific to the profession then no wonder the features that go with the profession are being used and abused.
It can also be said that the copy and paste feature has precipitated humankind’s indolent transformation. Instead of coming up with brilliant new ideas people seem to be using or re-using ideas already submitted by others and passing it off as their own work. Not only are people stealing other people’s work and ideas but they are taking all the credit for it. With all of this new technology humans are becoming very lazy and the copy and paste tool adds to the wreckage of this species.
Considering all of the pros and cons, one thing is absolutely clear, the new age of computer science is way ahead of its time. It has expanded at such a rate that the ‘rulebook’ has not been able to keep up. The ACM Code of Ethical Conduct is a good start however it relies too heavily, almost to a fault, on the honesty of humans. Computer science is in drastic need of a regulating body to make sure that its new features do not lead to the total demise of human beings.
Last
updated Dec. 12, 09
Gerard
Blaauw