What are the four ethical theories that are relevant to Computing?
Relativism, Kantianism, Utilitarianism and Social Contract Theory
What are the textbook definitions of ethics?
A set of principles of right conduct/A theory or a system of moral values
What is the aim of computer ethics?
To morally evaluate practices that involve computer technology and to devise ethical policies for these practices
What is the deontological view of Ethics?
It is concerned with whether an act is intrinsically right or wrong and it deals with intentions and motives. It is concerned with what people do, not with the consequences of their actions
What is consequentialism?
The view that morality is all about producing the right kinds of overall consequences
What is relativism theory?
The theory that holds that there are no universal moral norms of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’
What are the two types of relativism?
Subjective and cultural
Describe subjective relativism
It’s when each person decides right and wrong for themselves, creating an individual morality
What are cases for subjective relativism?
- Intelligent people can have opposite opinions about moral issues
- Ethical debates are inherently disagreeable and pointless
- Morality is relative, so you don’t have to reconcile opposing views
What are cases against subjective relativism?
- What is right and what you do, are not always clearly defined
- No moral distinction between actions of different people
- Subjective relativism and tolerance are quite different
- Deciding what is right or wrong can be based in any means other than reason
What is cultural relativism?
It contests that the meaning of right and wrong rests with the society’s actual moral guidelines
What are the cases for cultural relativism?
- Different social contexts demand different moral guidelines
- It would be arrogant for one society to judge another
- Morality is reflected in actual behaviour
What are the cases against cultural relativism?
- Does not explain how an individual discovers moral guidelines
- Provides no logical framework for reconciliation between cultures in conflict
- Moral guidelines are as a result of tradition, not necessarily based on reason
What is Kantianism?
The belief that peoples actions should be guided by moral laws and that these moral laws were universal and in order for a moral law to apply to all rational beings, it must itself be based on reason
What are the pros of Kantianism?
- It is rational and uses logic
- It produces universal moral guidelines
- All persons are treated as moral equals
What are the cons of Kantianism?
- Sometimes no single rule fully characterises an action
- Sometimes there is no way to resolve a conflict between rules
- Doesn’t allow ‘bending’ the rules
What is Utilitarianism?
To choose the action that maximises the total happiness
What are the pros of Utilitarianism?
- It focuses on happiness and is easy for people to relate to
- It is down-to-earth and easy to apply and calculate
- It is comprehensive
What are the cons of Utilitarianism?
- Not clear how far into the future to consider consequences
- Overkill for every moral decision
- Ignores sense of duty or obligation
- Is sometimes difficult to predict consequences with certainty
What is the social contract theory?
Morality consists of a set of rules, governing how people are to treat one another, that rational people will agree to accept, for their mutual benefit, on the condition that others follow those rules as well
What are the pros of the Social Contract Theory?
- Can explain why rational people act out of self-interest in the absence of common agreement
- Provides a clear analysis of the issues regarding the relationship between people and government
What are the cons of the Social Contract Theory?
- None of us signed the social contract
- Difficult to resolve problems with conflicting rights
- May be unjust to people who cannot uphold their side of the contract
What is a whistleblower?
Someone who brings attention to negligence, abuses or dangers that threaten the public interest from within an organisation
