Ethics in Machine Learning Systems

What is the main concern about the system being developed based on machine learning algorithms?

Its ability to concentrate private economic power
Its potential to hurt people's lives
Its potential to undermine democracy
All of the above (correct)

What is the difference between morality and ethics in philosophy?

Ethics is based on cultural norms, while morality is based on personal values
Ethics refers to moral conduct, while morality refers to the formal study of moral conduct
Morality is based on empirical evidence, while ethics is based on philosophical principles
Morality refers to moral conduct, while ethics refers to the formal study of moral conduct (correct)

How are moral norms typically acquired?

Through everyday life and cultural influences (correct)
Through formal education
Through philosophical study
Through religious teachings only

What is a characteristic of many moral decisions?

They are based on empirical evidence (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor that influences moral beliefs and norms?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Categorical Imperative in Kantian ethics?

To determine the universal moral laws that should govern human behavior (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in applying the Categorical Imperative to a proposed action?

Formulate a sincere and rational maxim (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'reversal of roles' thought experiment in Kantian ethics?

To consider the perspective of others in evaluating a moral principle (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the two formulations of the Categorical Imperative?

The first formulation focuses on universal moral laws, while the second focuses on treating individuals as ends in themselves (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of applying the Categorical Imperative to a moral principle?

A moral principle that is compatible with the moral laws that govern human behavior (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the second formulation of the Categorical Imperative often preferred in practical applications?

Because it is easier to understand and more intuitive (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the potential costs if bugs occur in the released software?

Potential damage to the reputation of the company (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the challenges involved in applying utilitarianism to software development?

The arbitrary nature of the evaluation (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the potential costs if the software is not released?

Potential damage to your career (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of utilitarianism in software development?

It can take into account many impacts of a given action (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is attaching a numerical value to the costs and benefits of software release challenging?

The costs and benefits can be rather arbitrary and complex (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one criticism of utilitarianism in software development?

It can be unclear on whom to include in calculations and future considerations (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which rights are sanctioned by Articles 22–27 according to the text?

Economic, social, and cultural rights (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the Social Contract Theory discussed, what does it imply about the availability of illegal copies?

Illegal copies should not be possible according to the social contract (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the scenario where a US citizen buys an illegal book from Country X, what ethical dilemma is highlighted?

Conflict between national copyright laws (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does Social Contract Theory apply in the context of a startup releasing buggy software?

It highlights the need for ethical software development practices (A) Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental right might be violated when purchasing illegal copies of a book?

Right of the author to benefit financially (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of different laws in different countries, what ethical issue arises regarding software development?

Navigating conflicting legal requirements (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the pros of the Social Contract Theory?

It provides a clear analysis of certain citizen/government problems (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the cons mentioned in the text regarding the Social Contract Theory?

No one signed the social contract or had a voice in determining laws and rights (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the Social Contract Theory based upon?

A realistic assumption of human nature and the need for laws (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the perspective on being law-abiding according to the text when everything else is equal?

Everyone should be law-abiding with no exceptions (C) Signup and view all the answers

When is it morally acceptable to break the law according to the text?

If the law is recognized as unfair or disproportionate (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the weaknesses mentioned in the text regarding the Social Contract Theory?

Conflicting ways to look at things based on different laws and rights (D) Signup and view all the answers