End-user ethics teaching: issues and a solution based on universalization

The ethical aspects of computing have gained increasing attention at the professional level of education in universities. As a result, several works have been produced relating to computer ethics education at this level. However, the ever-increasing role and usage of computer technology means that ethical education related to computing is also necessary for non-professional/non-major computing/information systems students. Due to the differences between professional and non-professional education in terms of substance, along with pragmatic reasons (e.g. lack of resources), the ordinary end-users need a different educational program. This paper first explores issues (i.e. challenges and problems to overcome) of end-user ethics teaching, second puts forward a solution based on a process of universalization, third argues that the universality thesis is adequate for the purpose of end-user education, and finally demonstrates, with the help of three imaginary cases, how the chosen solution can be used to tackle the issues and educate ordinary end-users in universities.