The computer technology is a double edged weapon and this was the case in the therac-25 as its purpose was to treat patients, but as a result of the misuse of computer technology it harmed six innocent people. The problem with the design of the machine was that it was mainly controlled by its software and not its hardware. The programmer did not take into consideration that he was designing a machine that emits dangerous types of radiation that can be life threatening if they are not well controlled.
One of the main reasons behind this design failure was because the designer preferred working alone to working in group which led to lots of software flaws. For example, whenever an error occurred the message ‘MALFUNCTION’ popped up and it didn’t …show more content…
Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.
8. Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output.
9. Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are designing.
10. Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that insure consideration and respect for your fellow humans.
It is obvious that if the programmer had paid attention to these commandments, probably none of the six innocent people would have died. Instead he could’ve co-operated with his fellow designers to try to produce a machine that is free of such lethal flaws.
Moreover, the technicians in the treatment centers were convinced by the company selling the Therac-25 that it was flawless and that there is no way it can fail in emitting the needed dose. This was the reason that even when patients felt they were burned, the technicians did not report a failure in the machine, instead they thought patients were over reacting.
In addition to all these reasons the manufacturing company was also responsible as it is their duty to run all sorts of tests on the machine before releasing it to the public especially that the machine emits radiations that can easily be lethal if they are not well
One of the main reasons behind this design failure was because the designer preferred working alone to working in group which led to lots of software flaws. For example, whenever an error occurred the message ‘MALFUNCTION’ popped up and it didn’t …show more content…
Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.
8. Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output.
9. Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are designing.
10. Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that insure consideration and respect for your fellow humans.
It is obvious that if the programmer had paid attention to these commandments, probably none of the six innocent people would have died. Instead he could’ve co-operated with his fellow designers to try to produce a machine that is free of such lethal flaws.
Moreover, the technicians in the treatment centers were convinced by the company selling the Therac-25 that it was flawless and that there is no way it can fail in emitting the needed dose. This was the reason that even when patients felt they were burned, the technicians did not report a failure in the machine, instead they thought patients were over reacting.
In addition to all these reasons the manufacturing company was also responsible as it is their duty to run all sorts of tests on the machine before releasing it to the public especially that the machine emits radiations that can easily be lethal if they are not well