polimd/Computer Ethics/lesson_03.md

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"