Sessions

Labor, ethics and computing

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Accepted Session
Chemistry
Short Form
Intermediate
Scheduled: Tuesday, June 18, 2013 from 3:45 – 4:30pm in B301
Session notes

Excerpt

An exploration of labor and ethics from various points in the life of a computer -- from the day-to-day software programming and hardware inside the computer down to the materials used in various components. Includes the implications for open source hardware and software as well as possible future solutions.

Description

This talk is a frank and honest discussion about labor practices in every major facet of computing, with an examination of the ethics of labor in an industry that has conflicting values. Topics to cover:

  • interpreting various philosophical treatises on labor in regards to both proprietary and open hardware/software
  • environmental impact of hardware manufacturing and reclamation
  • social impact of environmental problems due to hardware
  • sexism, racism, classism and their impact on facets of computing
  • a brief history of the US labor movement
  • suggestions for how to address and improve labor issues

Speaking experience

I am a DJ at houseofsound.org and regularly co-teach the Arduino Cult Induction. I spoke at the 2012 Open Source Bridge. Previously I was a co-host and production assistant for Gitmo Nation Roundtable, a political podcast that ran for two years.
I have a bachelor's degree in anthropology from the University of North Texas and attended a semester on international conflict resolution at American University.

Speaker

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