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Module 3: Ethics, Technology
and Values
Traditional Definition of Ethics
Ethical Theories
Functional Definition of Ethics
Codes of Ethics
Reflections on Computer Ethics
Technology and values
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Traditional Definition of Ethics
Ethics comes from a Greek word ethe’
which means character.
A set of theories of value, virtue or of
right action
A set of theories to provide general
rules/principles to be used in making
moral decisions
– to provide justification for those rules
Every human action is judged to be
good/bad based on these theories
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Ethical Theories
A system of justices developed, tested, revised,
and debated over the years by groups/societies.
Codes of Ethics are based on these theories
Processes of reasoning, explanation, and
justification used in ethics are based on these
theories.
Some of the theories are:
(1) Consequentialism
-
actions are judged good/bad depending on the outcome/
results of such actions
There are three types of Consequentialism:
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Theories…
- (I) Egoism- putting an individual’s interests and happiness
above everyone else’s.
- (ii) Utilitarianism – putting a group’s interests and happiness
above self.
- (iii) Altruism – actions are judged good if the consequences
are favorable to all except the actor
(2) Deontology – (duty theory - militaristic) – an action
is good if done as a duty.
(3) Human nature – actions are judged good based on
the capabilities of the actor (guilty by reasons of
insanity)
(4) Relativism – this takes right and wrong to be
relative to society ( hence no universal norms).
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Theories…
(5) Hedonism - this seeks maximum
pleasure for all.
(6) Emotivism – this states that ethical
statements are neither true nor false but
depend on individuals.
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Theories …
These theories are used as
engines to help understand and
justify human actions
Theories have not changed with
time and technology although the
premises for human actions have
changed
Theories are used in layers of
reasoning to justify all human
actions.
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Functional Definition of Ethics
1 if good/right
f(A,B) = {
0 if bad/wrong
where a Є A = { set of all human actions }
b Є B = { set of all ethical theories }
The function f is an ethical decision function that
assigns to every pair (a,b) a unique binary value
of 1 for good or 0 for bad.
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Codes of Ethics
See ACM Web Page Http://www.acm.org
See also the textbook pages 46-57.
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Objectives of Codes of Ethics
Disciplinary: By instilling discipline, the group or profession
ensures professionalism and integrity of its members.
Advisory: The codes are usually a good source of tips to members
and offer advice and guidance in areas where there are fuzzy
moral issues.
Educational: Ethical codes are good educational tools for
members of the domain, especially the new ones who have to
learn the do’s and don’ts of the new profession. These codes are
also a good source of renewal for the older members needing to
refresh and polish their possibly waning morals.
Inspirational: Besides being disciplinary, advisory, and
educational, the codes should also carry subliminal messages to
those using them to inspire them to be “good.”
Publicity: One way for professions to create a good clientele is to
show that they have a strong code of ethics and, therefore, their
members are committed to basic values and are responsible.
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Reflections on Computer Ethics
What makes computer ethics the
same/different from traditional ethics:
– Changing premises
– Different temptations(see page 58-59)
– Different means of delivery
– Complacency
– Ethical muddles
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Technology and values
Technology is influencing the ethical and
moral values of societies.
Successful technological advances have
created tempting situations by:
– Adding value
– Removing value
– Changing value
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Technology and Values…
To keep society’s values we need to:
– formulate new laws to strengthen existing
values ( made obsolete by technological
advances)
– Construct a new conceptual model in which
to apply the changing value system (new)
– Launch massive education campaigns
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