If Ethics is Not None

Explore the history of ethics in computing through this thought-provoking keynote address from EuroPython 2017. Delve into the ethical considerations surrounding early computers in warfare and science, leading up to contemporary issues like Artificial Intelligence and privacy regulation. Examine the often-overlooked ethical aspects of computing history, moving beyond hardware advancements and software developments. Discover key figures and events that shaped the ethical landscape of technology, from IBM's early systems to the contributions of pioneers like Joseph Weizenbaum and Karen Spärck Jones. Reflect on the role of professionalism in tech, the impact of the Python community's values, and the potential of technology to subvert norms. Consider the parallels between the computer revolution and other transformative periods like the Industrial Revolution and the Manhattan Project. Gain insights into predicting the future of technology and learn how technologists can actively contribute to ethical advancements in the field.