Mentorship in computer ethics: ETHICOMP as a “community mentor” for doctoral and early career researchers
Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society
ISSN: 1477-996X
Article publication date: 10 August 2015
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to introduce the concept of ETHICOMP as “community mentor” – the role that the ETHICOMP conference plays outside the standard conference fare, in which it nurtures and supports up-and-coming researchers in the field of computer ethics.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses an auto-ethnographic methodology to reflexively explore the author’s career from PhD student to early career researcher spanning the years 2005-2013, and how the ETHICOMP community has played a significant role as a mentor in her life. The literature on mentorship is discussed, particularly focussing on the importance of mentorship for women in philosophy-related academic careers, and criteria for successful mentorship are measured against the ETHICOMP “community mentorship”. Additionally, some key philosophical concepts are introduced and reflected upon.
Findings
The paper produces recommendations for other philosophical communities wishing to grow their mentorship capabilities through communities around conferences.
Originality/value
This paper sheds new light on the concepts of mentorship and the practical application of mentorship within an academic community. It also provides an account of the value of the ETHICOMP conference series that is beyond the usual academic output.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author wishes to thank the reviewers of the original paper that was submitted to ETHICOMP Paris for their insightful suggestions that helped develop this paper, as well as the reviewers at later stages of the paper. The author also wishes to thank the participants in the discussion that was had after her talk in Paris, and the help from her CCSR colleagues, as these helped form the philosophical content of this paper. Finally, the author wishes to thank the ETHICOMP community and the mentors that she has had over the years.
Citation
Flick, C. (2015), "Mentorship in computer ethics: ETHICOMP as a “community mentor” for doctoral and early career researchers", Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, Vol. 13 No. 3/4, pp. 326-345. https://doi.org/10.1108/JICES-10-2014-0052
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited