This is an image of the very first automatic computing engines designed by Charles Babbage who pioneered the concept of a digital programmable computer.

The difference engine was built in 1821 and was the first computer, it was a calculating machine, its purpose being to calculate and systemise polynomial functions.

This device created by Charles Babbage has led us to the age of digitalisation, however there are many concerns as there are many cases of data infringement and violation of data privacy. People are tracked right from the time they wake up to the time they reach work and sleep. Everyone with a digital device is at the risk of data loss, privacy invasion and losing their money through hacking.

Being a 21st century student, especially in the time of Covid 19 where all education systems have become more and more technical, the question that arises is, should Charles Babbage be held responsible for the unethical use of this knowledge? He should not as he had no idea that the simple computer he created could be used for nefarious purposes like hacking, something that did not exist then.

The reason for including this object is to show that creators of knowledge in technological advancement , inventions and discoveries do not have the foresight to look into the future. Therefore to conclude, I can safely state that Charles Babbage cannot be held ethically under obligation for the knowledge he possessed, for the outcome and to blame him for ethical obligations would be rather unjust as he was a knower who had knowledge about the processes and commitment but not responsible for the devious misuse and malpractices carried out later.