Resumen

Resumen
In the September 1997 "Inside Risks," David Parnas made a compelling case for defining the core body of software knowledge, evaluating the curricula, and licensing software practitioners the same way engineers are licensed. A desirable obligation he mentioned beyond basic competence is the ability to pass examinations relating to legal and ethical practice. Most professional organizations have well-documented codes of ethics. However, Parnas observes that whereas professional engineers who do not adhere to their oath can lose their licenses, software professionals have little to lose and may not have heard about such oaths. Unfortunately, excuses such as short-term profits, preservation of corporate image, organizational and peer pressures, secrecy, and perhaps setting low standards in hopes of limiting liability suits for noncompliance are sometimes used as justifications for irresponsible behavior. On the other hand, real potential risks to individuals tend to discourage responsible behavior by people who might otherwise consider becoming whistle-blowers. The ethically inspired act of whistle-blowing might typically involve various aspects, such as being aware of and documenting a serious problem, informing one's superiors, having findings repeatedly rejected and systematically covered up, and being threatened with or subjected to retaliation.