Code of Ethics

By Stephen Downes - Stephen's Web. Charles Nelson[Edit][Delete]: Code of Ethics, Explorations in Learning [Edit][Delete] August 28, 2006

More discussion on the question of whether there should be codes of ethics for internet use. This longish post from Charles Nelson continues the defense of codes of ethics, in opposition to my own position. I think a lot of the disagreement is based on (what I would call) a misunderstanding as to what constitutes a 'code' - a code isn't merely a set of suggestions, guidelines or instructions. It is a definition of what is right and what is wrong. Nelson writes, "Without laws, there would be no need for judges to interpret their application." This is false. More...