Reflection Blog 2

Reflection Blog 2

Weeks 5-8 for me have seemed to be a little bit less enlightening than weeks 1-4 from a “learning” perspective. In weeks 1-4 we learned the framework of ethics and how it applies to ICT, played with Prezi, and got “down and dirty” with regards to real ethical issues. I expected more questions about moral dilemmas in weeks 5-8 but the conversation didn’t seem to go that way. I also expected more integration of the ethical framework that we learned in weeks 1-4. For example, instead of just discussing free speech and our opinions on the matter, I think we should be looking at free speech from a utilitarian approach, a relativist approach (or whatever other ethical approach), etc. I think it’s the only way to get the concepts down completely.
My take so far from the class is that moral decisions are totally a moving target and there is no standard to making ethical decisions. I’m the type of person that likes to use logic to my advantage, and I think logic fits right into ethics, but it just hasn’t seemed to pan out that way in the discussions. I think that part of the reason for that is human nature and the instinctual avoidance of confrontation. Maybe it’s just really difficult to put a stake in the sand and say “this is my opinion and I’m willing to defend it” and it’s a lot easier to dance around by asking rhetorical questions and not really draw a line.
As far as leading the discussion as a group – admittedly, our group was a little late to get the ball rolling but I think our questions were pretty good. Frankly, I was a little surprised when none of our questions were used for the actual discussion.
I was able to find a good personal connection with the content of week 6 as I’ve participated in some of the non-nefarious aspects of hacking and I think it’s good to discuss.
Last, not to complain, as I’m sure everyone has a lot on their plate and it would just be another thing, but I’m surprised how few lectures there have been. The lectures we’ve had have been really good and I would not mind seeing more of them.