4. Decide whether the following statements are true, false or vague according to text a.

1. There is no difference between aesthetics and ethics.

2. Another name for ethics is morality.

3. Aesthetics is primarily concerned with attempting to define what is good for the individual and for society.

4. The philosopher of the 1700s who ranks with Aristotle and Plato of ancient times is Immanuel Kant.

5. In his 'Critique of Practical Reason' (1788) Kant argued for a stern morality.

6. Ethical theories aim to bring order into ordinary thinking.

7. “Everything has beauty but not everyone sees it” (Confucius).

8. The term aesthetics is derived from French word.

5. Read text a and answer these questions.

1. What does ethics study?

2. Is the word morality a synonym or antonym to the word “ethics”?

3. What can you say about the origin of the word “ethics”?

4. What is ethics concerned with?

5. Is it easy to define what is good and how one should act to achieve it?

6. Do all educators define ethics in the same way?

7. Do you agree or disagree with Kant’s Categorical Imperative? Why?

8. Do you see the difference between ethics and aesthetics?

6. Read text b carefully paying attention to the words in bold type.

Text B. Professional Conduct

An essential aim of computing professionals is to minimize negative consequences of computing systems, including threats to health and safety. When designing or implementing systems, computing professionals must attempt to ensure that the products of their efforts will be used in socially responsible ways, will avoid harmful effects to health and welfare. Therefore, computing professionals who design and develop systems must be alert to, and make others aware of, any potential damage to the local or global environment.

The principle of “Avoid harm to others” prohibits use of computing technology in ways that result in harm to any of the following: users, the general public, employees and employers. The principle “Be honest and trustworthy” means to be honest about his or her own qualifications, and about any circumstances that might lead to conflicts of interest. Excellence is perhaps the most important obligation of a professional. The computing professional must strive to achieve the highest quality, effectiveness and dignity in both the process and products of professional work.

Computerization has created a number of environmental, health, and safety problems in the modern workplace. For example, there is serious concern about air quality in large office buildings, not only because of inadequate air-conditioning system but also because of the widespread use of synthetic materials and substances. Epidemiologists have now identified something called sick building syndrome (SBS) that results in drowsiness, headaches, eye irritation, sore throats, and so on. SBS is called by lack of fresh air.

Further aggravating the situation are problems with the design of offices and office furniture. Poorly designed seats, tables, and work

stations, which do not conform to ergonomic principles, have been blamed for headaches, neck and shoulder ache, and wrist and elbow disorders. Psychologists believe that a private office, a desk, and the style of the chair are clear signals of an employee’s status.

The future of the computing profession depends on both technical and ethical excellence.