Computer Ethics

Ethical Theories

What is the deontological theory

people should adhere to their obligations and duties

What is the weakness of the deontological theory

No rational or logical basis for deciding an individual’s duties; sometimes a person’s duties conflict; they aren’t concerned with the welfare of others

What is an example of the deontological theory

An intruder breaks into the house. Killing is bad, but protecting your family is good

What is utiltarianism

based on the predictive greatest benefit to the most people

What are some positives of utilitarianism

it provides logical and rational argument for each decision since it can use a point system

What are the two types of utilitarianism

Act and rule

What is act utilitarianism

the act that benefits the most people regardless of personal feelings or laws

what is rule utilitarianism

the act that benefits the most people but through the fairest and most just means availability; it values justice and includes beneficence, takes into account the law and fairnessw

what is the weakness in utilitarianism

no one can predict the future, so an originally ethical decision could look unethical as time passes; hard to compare material gains vs intangible gains

what is the weakness in act utlitarianism

if the variables change it could cause the person to change their original decision

what is the weakness in rule utilitariansim

there is a potential of conflicting rules; for example, both actions benefit society

what are natural rights

set forth by a society and given the highest priority; may be given; considered ethically correct and valid if the ruling population endorses them

what are the weaknesses of natural rights

a society must decipher what the characteristics of a right is and what the goals and ethical priorities are

What are negative rights

rights that imposes a negative duty on all others; a duty to not interfere with a person’s activities in a certain area

what are positive/welfare rights

rights to provide something that people need to secure their well-being; impose a duty to assist and sustain

what is the social contract theory

when a social contract was made where individuals gave up their rights so others would give up theirs; resulted in the establishment of the state which would create laws to regulate social interactions