HOW computer Systems Embody Values

rained as a philosopher, I am nevertheless increasingly drawn toward the science and engineering of information technology in my work on its ethical, social,
and political dimensions. I trace this interest back to a research project on computer systems’ bias with Batya Friedman (“Bias in Computer Systems,” ACM Trans. Information Systems, July 1996, pp. 340- 346). A compelling and mysterious idea emerged from this project: Computer and information systems can embody values. I found this idea so compelling that it has all but hijacked the path of my work since then, forcing me to grapple with devilishly complex technological details. Its mystery lies in seeing values as part of technology, a perspective not usually adopted by scholars and researchers who study the social, ethical, and political aspects of information technology.Download PDF now.