CS as a Catalyst and Related Concepts

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts and definitions from the lecture notes on Computer Science and its societal implications.

Unintended Consequences

The unforeseen and unintended results of a technology or action.

Ada Lovelace

Considered the first computer programmer in the world.

Don't be evil

Google’s old slogan introduced in 2003.

Reinventing things

The opportunity provided by computer science to create new solutions or products.

Ubiquitous computing

The concept that computers are integrated into everyday objects and environments.

Lettucebot

A robot designed to scan crops for weeds.

Tally stick

An ancient memory aid used to record numbers or quantities.

AI Ethicist

An emerging job title focused on the ethical implications of AI.

Abacus

A counting tool also known as a counting frame.

Computer Science

The study of processes that interact with data and can be represented as programs.

Industrial revolution

A period of significant industrial growth in the 19th century.

ChatGPT

An artificial intelligence chatbot that uses natural language processing.

Computers and Communication Networks

The two principal catalysts for the Information Age.

Pin setter

A job that is no longer in existence, historically used in bowling alleys.

Cloud computing

On-demand availability of computer system resources, especially data storage and computing power.

Human-Computer Interaction

A field that considers the challenges in making computers useful and usable.

FORTRAN

A high-level programming language designed primarily for numerical calculations.

Cyber crime

Criminal activities carried out using computers or the internet.

Algorithm

A set of steps used to complete a specific task.

Morality

The differentiation between what is considered acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

Digital age

A term frequently used to describe the 21st century.

Data structure

A method of organizing and storing data in a computer.

Email

One of the first applications of the ARPANET.

Ethics

The study that systematizes, defends, and recommends concepts for moral conduct.

COBOL

A compiled English-like programming language designed for business use.

Broadband

A high-speed internet connection.

Muhammad al-Khwārizmī

A mathematician credited with being the father of algorithms.

Moral choices

Decisions that reflect values and ethics in technology.

Pandora’s Box

A metaphor for the unexpected consequences of technology.

Quantum computing

The study of non-classical models of computation.

Society

A group of individuals involved in persistent social interaction.

Veracity

Refers to the quality and accuracy of data.

Phishing

A cybercrime where individuals are targeted via email or text to retrieve private information.

ACM Code of Ethics

A set of guidelines for professional conduct in computing.

Utilitarianism

An ethical theory proposing actions are right if they produce the greatest good for the greatest number.

Virtue ethics

An ethical theory focusing on the character and virtues of the individual.

Social contract theory

Philosophical theory about the legitimacy of authority and the rights of individuals.

Inclusivity

The practice of ensuring that all individuals are considered and valued.

Green computing

The study and practice of designing computer systems with minimal environmental impact.

AI chatbots

Artificial intelligence systems designed to simulate conversation with human users.