Exploring Computer Ethics

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Questions and Answers

Which ethical theory posits that the best action is the one that maximizes overall well-being and happiness for the greatest number of individuals?

  • Deontology
  • Social Contract Theory
  • Utilitarianism (correct)
  • Virtue Ethics

A software engineer discovers a security flaw in a widely used application but decides not to report it, fearing potential negative impacts on their company's reputation. Which ethical consideration is MOST directly challenged by this decision?

  • Adhering to cybercrime laws
  • Protecting personal data and privacy (correct)
  • Promoting inclusivity in technology
  • Ensuring responsible AI development

When assessing the ethical implications of AI-driven decision-making systems, which question encapsulates a key concern related to 'Assumptions and Values'?

  • What are the potential economic impacts of deploying this AI system?
  • What inherent biases might be present in the data used to train the AI? (correct)
  • To what extent does the AI system automate tasks previously done by humans?
  • How can we ensure the AI system adheres to existing data privacy laws?

What is the PRIMARY focus of 'deontological ethics' in the context of computer ethics?

<p>Adhering to duties, rules, and principles, regardless of the outcome (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of 'Ubuntu' influence ethical considerations in computing?

<p>By emphasizing human connection, cooperation, and community well-being in technology (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios exemplifies the 'ad hominem' fallacy?

<p>Refuting an argument by attacking the character or personal traits of the person making the argument (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of ethical reasoning, what does 'validity' refer to when evaluating an argument?

<p>The logical structure and coherence of the argument (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A company decides to implement AI-powered surveillance technology to monitor employee activity, arguing it will increase productivity. From an ethical perspective, which consideration should be given the HIGHEST priority?

<p>The impact on employee privacy and autonomy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of argument relies on comparisons to support its conclusion?

<p>Analogical Arguments (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the PRIMARY purpose of Data Privacy Laws such as GDPR and CCPA?

<p>To regulate personal data collection and use (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the MOST accurate description of a 'straw man' fallacy?

<p>Misrepresenting an argument to make it easier to attack (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Before laws catch up to ethical dilemmas caused by new technology what consideration are most important to evaluate?

<p>Moral and Legal Issues (Policy Vacuum) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement aligns with the 'virtue ethics' approach?

<p>The ethical actions should reflect empathy, fairness, or compassion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of soundness when evaluating an argument?

<p>The argument is both valid and true. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these describes the ethical philosophy of Ubuntu?

<p>Emphasizes human connection, cooperation, and community well-being. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A company selling user data uses an argument that they don't have to follow GDPR because they are not physically located in Europe. What type of ethical consideration is being challenged?

<p>Protecting personal data and privacy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The primary goal of law and computer ethics is to?

<p>Establish rules for ethical computer use. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A software company refutes concerns about data security by saying user data is encrypted with the latest technology. What fallacy is being committed?

<p>Straw Man. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is critical reasoning important in today's technological landscape?

<p>Because it is the ability to analyze and evaluate information logically and systematically. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to understand computer ethics?

<p>Because it helps understand how computers impact society. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Computer Ethics

The study of ethical issues related to technology and computing.

Utilitarianism

Focuses on the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

Deontology

Emphasizes duties and principles, regardless of the consequences.

Virtue Ethics

Focuses on moral character and virtues rather than rules or outcomes.

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Deontological Ethics

Ethics based on rules and duties (e.g., honesty, fairness).

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Consequentialism

Ethics based on the outcomes of an action.

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Social Contract Theory

Ethics based on mutual agreements in society.

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Ubuntu

A philosophy emphasizing human connection, cooperation, and community well-being.

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Data Privacy Laws

Laws that regulate personal data collection and use.

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Intellectual Property Laws

Laws that protect software, digital content, and patents.

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Cybercrime Laws

Laws that address hacking, fraud, and online threats.

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AI and Automation Laws

Laws that ensure responsible AI development and use.

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Ad Hominem

Attacking the person instead of the argument.

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Straw Man

Misrepresenting an argument to make it easier to attack.

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False Dilemma

Presenting only two choices when more exist.

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Slippery Slope

Assuming one action will lead to extreme consequences.

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Deductive Arguments

If the premises are true, the conclusion must be true.

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Inductive Arguments

The conclusion is probable based on the premises.

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Analogical Arguments

Comparisons used to support conclusions.

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Validity

The argument follows logical structure.

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Study Notes

Computer Ethics

  • Computer ethics involves studying ethical issues related to technology and computing
  • Computer ethics helps to understand the impact of computers on society
  • Responsibilities of users, developers, and organizations when using technology ethically are also addressed

Ethical Theory and Concepts

  • Ethical theories offer frameworks that can be used to analyze moral issues in computing
  • Utilitarianism focuses on achieving the greatest good for the greatest number of people
  • Deontology emphasizes duties and principles over the consequences of actions
  • Virtue ethics highlights moral character and virtues, rather than rules or outcomes

Computer Ethics Scope

  • Computer Ethics studies issues like privacy, intellectual property, cybercrime, AI ethics, and data protection
  • The impact of computers on individuals and society is considered

Theoretical Frameworks

  • Deontological ethics are based on rules and duties (e.g., honesty, fairness)
  • Consequentialism is based on the outcomes of an action
  • Social Contract Theory is based on mutual agreements in society

Ubuntu (African Ethical Philosophy)

  • Ubuntu highlights human connection, cooperation, and community well-being
  • In computing, Ubuntu encourages ethical responsibility, fairness, and inclusivity in technology

Personal Rationale for Computer Ethics

  • Computer ethics ensures the responsible and fair use of technology
  • Computer ethics protects personal data and privacy
  • Computer ethics ensures fairness and inclusivity in technology
  • Computer ethics avoids causing harm with unethical programming or AI biases
  • Computer ethics promotes responsibility in using and creating technology

Law and Computer Ethics

  • Laws provide guidelines for ethical computer use
  • Data Privacy Laws (GDPR, CCPA) regulate personal data collection and use
  • Intellectual Property Laws protect software, digital content, and patents
  • Cybercrime Laws address hacking, fraud, and online threats
  • AI and Automation Laws ensure responsible AI development and use

Scenarios to Consider

  • Ethical dilemmas often arise in computing
  • Assumptions and Values refer to biases in software development
  • Moral and Legal Issues (Policy Vacuum) addresses new technology raising ethical concerns before laws catch up
  • Examples of scenarios include biased AI hiring tools
  • Examples of scenarios include companies tracking employees via software
  • Examples of scenarios include governments having unrestricted access to encrypted messages

Critical Reasoning

  • Critical reasoning is the ability to logically and systematically analyze and evaluate information
  • Critical reasoning helps in making ethical decisions and understanding complex issues

Logical Arguments

  • An argument includes premises (statements supporting a claim) and a conclusion
  • Good arguments are logically structured and supported by evidence

Fallacies (Common Logical Errors)

  • Ad Hominem involves attacking the person instead of the argument
  • Straw Man involves misrepresenting an argument to make it easier to attack
  • False Dilemma involves presenting only two choices when more exist
  • Slippery Slope assumes one action will lead to extreme consequences

Nature and Types of Arguments

  • Arguments should be clear, logical, well-structured, persuasive, and ethical
  • Deductive Arguments mean if the premises are true, the conclusion must be true
  • Inductive Arguments mean the conclusion is probable based on the premises
  • Analogical Arguments use comparisons to support conclusions

Logic Book Style Arguments

  • Arguments are often structured as premise 1, premise 2, and then a conclusion

Argument Validity and Truth

  • Validity requires that the argument follows logical structure
  • Truth requires that the premises are factually correct
  • Soundness requires that the argument is both valid and true

Argument Evaluation

  • Evaluate whether the premises are true
  • Evaluate whether the reasoning is valid
  • Evaluate whether there is bias or missing information

Argument Analysis

  • Breaking down arguments into components helps determine their strength and fairness

Conclusion

  • Analytical tools in computer ethics and critical reasoning enables navigation of complex technological and ethical challenges
  • Understanding ethical theories, legal issues, and logical reasoning enables informed and responsible decisions in computing

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