1. chapter 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
Ethical and Social...J.M.Kizza

2. Traditional Definition of Ethics
Ethics comes from a Greek word ethe’ which means character.
It is a set of theories of value, virtue or of right action
It is 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
Ethical and Social...J.M.Kizza

3. Ethical and Social...J.M.Kizza
Ethical Theories
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.
Ethical and Social...J.M.Kizza

4. Ethical and Social...J.M.Kizza
Ethical Theories
Some of the theories are:
Consequentialism
Deontology
Human nature
Relativism
Emotivism
Hedonism
Ethical and Social...J.M.Kizza

5. Ethical and Social...J.M.Kizza
Theories…
(1) Consequentialism
actions are judged good/bad depending on the outcome/ results of such actions
There are three types of Consequentialism:
(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 regardless of outcomes .
Ethical and Social...J.M.Kizza

6. Ethical and Social...J.M.Kizza
Theories…
(3) Human nature – actions are judged good based on the capabilities of the actor (individual committing an evil action is lacking in some capabilities)
(4) Relativism – this takes right and wrong to be relative to society ( hence no universal norms).
(5) Hedonism - this seeks maximum pleasure (/happiness) for all.
(6) Emotivism – This theory maintains that ethical statements are neither true nor false and cannot be proven; they are really only statements about how someone feels
Ethical and Social...J.M.Kizza

7. Ethical and Social...J.M.Kizza
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 (/several steps) to justify all human actions.
Ethical and Social...J.M.Kizza

8. 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.
Ethical and Social...J.M.Kizza

9. Ethical and Social...J.M.Kizza
Codes of Ethics
The main domains in which ethics is defined are governed by a particular set of rules called “codes of ethics.”
Code of ethics definition in business:
A written set of guidelines issued by an organization to its workers and management to help them conduct their actions in accordance with its primary values and ethical standards.
Ethical and Social...J.M.Kizza

10. Ethical and Social...J.M.Kizza
Codes of Ethics
Ethical codes forms:
1. Principles, which may act as guidelines, references, or bases for some document.
2. Public policies, which may include aspects of acceptable behavior, norms, and practices of a society or group.
3.Codes of conduct, which may include ethical principles
4. Legal instruments, which enforce good conduct through courts.
See ACM Web Page
See also the textbook pages
Ethical and Social...J.M.Kizza

11. 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.
Ethical and Social...J.M.Kizza

12. Objectives of Codes of Ethics
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.
Ethical and Social...J.M.Kizza

13. Reflections on Computer Ethics
What makes computer ethics the same/different from traditional ethics???
Changing premises
Different temptations : e.g. Speed, Privacy and anonymity, International scope, aesthetic attraction, The power to destroy…..etc(see p# 58-59)
Different means of delivery
Complacency
Ethical muddles
Ethical and Social...J.M.Kizza

14. Ethical and Social...J.M.Kizza
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
Ethical and Social...J.M.Kizza

15. 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 conceptual model in which the new laws can be applied
Successfully Launch massive education campaigns
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16. Analyzing a Professional Ethical Scenario
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17. Analyzing a Professional Ethical Scenario
Stage 1:Brainstorming phase
List risks, issues, problems, consequences.
List all the stakeholders.
List possible actions.
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18. Analyzing Professional Responsibilities (cont’d)
Stage 2:Analysis phase
Identify the responsibilities of the decision-maker.
Identify the rights of stakeholders.
Consider the impact of the action options on the stakeholders.
Find sections in codes of ethics that apply, categorize each potential action or response as ethically obligatory, ethically prohibited, or ethically acceptable.
Ethical and Social...J.M.Kizza

19. Analyzing Professional Responsibilities (cont’d)
Consider the ethical merits of each option and select one.
Ethical and Social...J.M.Kizza