Cyber Ethics Lecture Notes PDF

INTRODUCTION TO CYBER ETHICS TOPIC 1 17/7/2023 | Monday & Wednesday | 5-7 PM | Lecture Theatre 2 OUTLINE The introduction to ethics - definition Ethics in various domains Ethics & technologies The importance of ethics The introduction to ethics Intr...

INTRODUCTION TO CYBER ETHICS TOPIC 1 17/7/2023 | Monday & Wednesday | 5-7 PM | Lecture Theatre 2 OUTLINE The introduction to ethics - definition Ethics in various domains Ethics & technologies The importance of ethics The introduction to ethics Introduction What do we mean when we talk about "ethics"? Definition of ethics Ethics - refers to the concern that humans have always had for figuring out how best to live. “The most important thing is not life, but the good life.” (Socrates, 399 B.C.) How do we identify a good life, one worth choosing from among all the different ways of living that lay open to us? Understanding ethics Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with moral principles and values that guide human behavior and decision-making. It explores questions about what is right or wrong, good or bad, and how individuals should conduct themselves in various situations. Ethics aims to provide a framework for evaluating actions, choices, and the consequences of human behavior. It plays a crucial role in shaping individual character, social norms, and the overall functioning of societies. Ethics in various domains The study of ethics can be found in many different places: Business Ethics: Business ethics deals with the moral principles and values that govern the conduct of individuals and organizations in the business world. It addresses issues such as fair competition, corporate social responsibility, employee rights, and ethical marketing practices. Ethics in various domains The study of ethics can be found in many different places: Medical Ethics: Medical ethics concerns the moral dilemmas and principles encountered in the field of healthcare. It includes topics like patient autonomy, informed consent, end-of-life decisions, allocation of resources, and the ethics of medical research. Ethics in various domains The study of ethics can be found in many different places: Environmental Ethics: Environmental ethics focuses on the moral obligations of individuals and societies toward the environment and non-human entities. It explores the ethical implications of human activities on the planet and the responsibility to protect natural resources and biodiversity. Ethics in various domains The study of ethics can be found in many different places: Legal Ethics: Legal ethics deals with the ethical conduct of lawyers, judges, and legal professionals. It addresses issues like attorney-client privilege, conflicts of interest, honesty in legal proceedings, and upholding the rule of law. Ethics in various domains The study of ethics can be found in many different places: Journalism Ethics: Journalism ethics involves principles that guide journalists in reporting news responsibly and impartially. It includes topics like truthfulness, objectivity, privacy, and avoiding conflicts of interest. Ethics in various domains The study of ethics can be found in many different places: Ethics in Education: Ethics in education pertains to the moral responsibilities of educators and students. It covers issues such as academic integrity, fairness in grading, promoting a respectful learning environment, and addressing student welfare. Ethics in various domains The study of ethics can be found in many different places: Community life: Ethics is pursued through diverse cultural, political and religious ideals and practices, through which particular social groups give their members guidance about how best to live. Ethics in various domains The study of ethics can be found in many different places: Personal level: Individual’s self-reflection and continual strivings to become a better person. Work life: Often formulated in formal codes or standards to which all members of a profession are held, such as those of medical or legal ethics. Ethics in various domains The study of ethics can be found in many different places: Ethics in Cyberspace Ethical issues are at the core of cybersecurity practices, because these practices are increasingly required to secure and shield the ability of human individuals and groups to live well. Increasing complexity and difficulty of securing online data, cloud computing services, WiFi-enabled mobile devices, ‘smart’ objects – all these becoming heavy burden for cyber security professionals. Ethics in various domains Can you think of any other domains that involved ethics considerations?  Ethics & Technology Ethics & Technology What does ethics got to do with technology? Ethics & Technology Technology increasingly shapes how human beings seek the good life, and with what degree of success. Well-designed - make it easier for people to live well - allowing more efficient use and distribution of essential resources. Poorly designed/misused technologies can make it harder to live well - by toxifying our environment, or by reinforcing unsafe, unhealthy or antisocial habits. Ethics & Technology Technologies are not ethically ‘neutral’ - they reflect the values that we ‘bake in’ to them with our design choices, as well as the values which guide our distribution and use of them. Technologies both reveal and shape what humans value, what we think is ‘good’ in life and worth seeking. Examples Technologies that requires Ethical Considerations... Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics: AI ethics examines the moral implications of developing and deploying artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. It addresses issues like bias in algorithms, privacy concerns, job displacement, and the responsible use of AI in autonomous systems. Examples Technologies that requires Ethical Considerations... Internet and Social Media Ethics: Internet and social media ethics deal with the responsible use of online platforms. Topics include data privacy, online harassment, fake news, digital addiction, and the impact of social media on mental health. Examples Technologies that requires Ethical Considerations... Ethical Hacking: Ethical hacking involves cybersecurity professionals using their skills to identify and fix vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks, with the goal of improving security rather than causing harm. Examples Technologies that requires Ethical Considerations... Biotechnology Ethics: Biotechnology ethics examines the moral dilemmas arising from advancements in fields like genetic engineering, cloning, and gene editing. It raises questions about the ethical boundaries of manipulating living organisms. The Importance of Ethics The Importance of Ethics Why is ethics now such an important topic in technical contexts, more so than ever? The Importance of Ethics Unprecedented speeds and scales at which technical advances are transforming the social aspects of our lives. The inability of regulators and lawmakers to keep up with these changes. Laws and regulations have historically been important instruments of preserving the good life within a society. Today they are being outpaced by the speed, scale, and complexity of new technological developments and their often hard-to-predict social impacts. The Importance of Ethics Lawmakers lack the technical expertise needed to guide effective technology policy. This means that technical experts are increasingly called upon to help anticipate those social impacts and to think proactively about how their technical choices are likely to impact human lives. The Importance of Ethical Considerations Guiding Principles: Ethics provides individuals and societies with guiding principles to make morally sound decisions. It helps maintain order, fosters trust, and promotes fairness in various aspects of life. The Importance of Ethical Considerations Building Trust: Ethical behavior is essential for building trust and strong relationships, whether in personal, professional, or societal settings. Trust forms the foundation for cooperation and harmonious interactions. The Importance of Ethical Considerations Preventing Harm: Ethical considerations help prevent harm to individuals, communities, and the environment. By adhering to ethical principles, we can avoid actions that could lead to negative consequences. The Importance of Ethical Considerations Social Cohesion: Ethics plays a vital role in creating and maintaining social cohesion. It sets standards for acceptable behavior, ensuring that individuals can coexist peacefully in a community. The Importance of Ethical Considerations Sustainable Development: Ethical practices are crucial for sustainable development. They guide us to consider the long-term impact of our actions on future generations and the planet. The Importance of Ethical Considerations Positive Reputation: Individuals and organizations with a strong ethical foundation often enjoy a positive reputation, which can lead to increased credibility and support from others. The Importance of Ethical Considerations Personal Growth: Embracing ethics can contribute to personal growth and self-improvement. By reflecting on ethical choices, individuals develop a deeper understanding of their values and beliefs. The Importance of Ethical Considerations Responsible Technological Advancements: Ethical considerations are vital in the rapid development of technology. They ensure that technological advancements are made with a focus on the well-being of humanity and the environment. The Importance of Ethical Considerations Global Cooperation: Ethical principles are essential for fostering cooperation and understanding between people from different cultures and backgrounds. They provide a common ground for resolving conflicts and promoting global harmony. The Importance of Ethical Considerations Preserving Humanity: In a rapidly changing world, ethics serves as a compass to ensure that our actions retain a sense of humanity, empathy, and compassion, even in the face of technological advancements and societal challenges. The main idea of ethics... "How do we ensure that access to the enormous benefits promised by new technologies, and exposure to their risks, are distributed in the right way?" The main idea of ethics... This is a question about technology justice. "Justice is not only a matter of law, it is also even more fundamentally a matter of ethics".​ Summary This topic covers: The introduction to ethics - definition Ethics in various domains Ethics & technologies The importance of ethics