Ethics and Morality Theory Part 1 6 September 2006

Administrative  Class roll This should be the correct list!  Short Paper Last chance: no repeating the same topic for term project Paper copy due at class Electronic due at 7 pm through Blackboard

What is ethics? Ethics – “philosophical study of morality” Philosophy -- Investigation of the nature, causes, or principles of reality, knowledge, or values, based on logical reasoning rather than empirical methods.

What is ethics? Ethics – “philosophical study of morality” Morality – rules of conduct describing what people in a society should and should not do What is society?

Society Association of people organized under a system of rules designed to advance the good of its members over time Rawls, A Theory of Justice

Ethics  What choices that people make are part of ethics?  Must be voluntary  Must relate to morality  What is the fundamental purpose of any moral system? To advance the common good  What rules of conduct did you learn growing up?

What is the common good?  James Moor’s core values Life Happiness Ability to accomplish goals

Ethical Dilemma  Apparent conflict between moral imperatives  New technologies can open up new social problems and new ethical dilemmas Examples?  Can new technologies change morality?

And for a break…  Look Like My Dog Contest Look Like My Dog Contest

In Monday’s paper  Law firm was hacked  Suing IBM for information  Herald Sun article Herald Sun article  Break into small groups (4-5 people) and spend 10 minutes discussing Should IBM be required to give information? What level of proof should be required? If IBM has some bad guys, shouldn’t they WANT to help?