# Computer Ethics - lesson 3
#### Viola Schiaffonati
###### 03 October 2017
### Presentation, papers and more 

To choose the presentation, send an email by 12 october

The topic for the presentation/paper is chosen by the student.
#### Presentation / paper supervision
- oct 12
- nov 9
- nov 21
- dec 21

Presentation is 20/30 minutes long, with 5/10 min for Q&A
It has to be in english
We can use slides or other support for the presentation (song, dialogue...)

#### Exam dates
- Jan 31
- Feb 21

#### Suggestions
Both paper and presentations must offer an __argument__, we have to support our
opinion.
Present reasons for the claims you are making.
Some originality is required in putting pieces together and develop our own
ideas.

#### How to choose a topic
A good paper/presentation makes a __small point__ but makes it clearly and offer
good reasons.

The paper has to show some __indipendent thinking__

Don't focus on title but on content, *smart titles* are not necessary, chose at
the end a simple title when the content is already solid.

- The topic must be approved by the instructor, with a provisional title.
- structure the paper
- write.

Begin by formulating the __precise thesis__
- state clearly the thesis in the introduction
- get to the point quickly and without digression
- don't try to introduce your argument within a grand historical narrative.

##### Structuring the paper

Define technical or *ambiguous* terms (ex: difference between morality and
ethics)
- Think of an imaginary reader that has some knowledge on these topics but is
  not an expert (ex: colleague of you in this course).

In case of doubts, provide a simple definition, on a footnote.

__Motivate your thesis__, explaining to the reader why he should care about.

Make clear from the beginning the path that i will follow in the argumentation.
(I will start from this, then discuss on that... and conclude with this)

Explain only the details that are essential

To strenghten an argument it is possible to anticipate and answer objections to
it

The simple negation of a thesis is not an objection

Bibliography __must be complete__ and __coherent__
- provide in the bibliography the original reference, even if the resource is
  found on the web. (Journal, book, issue, number, press institute...)

*Do not* use wikipedia as ultimate source of information on philosophy and
ethics, instead use __stanford encyclopedia of philosophy__
plato.stanford.edu

This website has an editor and the articles are written by the most experts in
the matter (ex: J. van der Hoven)

In case refer to the entry "How to cite this entry"