Reflection Blog 1

Reflection Blog 1-Submitted by Michelle Lampkins

The material we have covered the first few weeks in this class is an indication that there are many ways to look at ethical considerations for cybertechnology.  The readings have used examples that we must analyze today with the advent of modern technology.  The laws in place that were originally intended for physical copies of information now have to be reconsidered due to the different forms of content and the easier access to such content due to the internet and the avenues that the internet provide for access to such information.  The fact that information is now accessible in different formats raises ethical issues with regard to the rights of creators of such content and whether or not we are violating the rights of the creators of such content by the way we access and use such content.  There is also the consideration of privacy issues, because so much information is so easily accessible, an individuals right to privacy can and has been violated and such issues really give us an opportunity to reflect on these issues.  The reading material also gave us an opportunity to reflect on various ethical viewpoints with regard to different scenarios in the world of cybertechnology.  It is very interesting that there are many different ways to look at a problem and to be willing to consider more than one theory before reaching a conclusion that can be the most practical application of a theory to an issue raised.  I found myself having a mixture of viewpoints with regard to certain scenarios, based a little on my personal feelings and then having my viewpoint challenged by other viewpoints that I thought was fair to consider in addition to my own personal feelings.

I did learn that we really need ethical theories, as Tavani points out in his book on page 53, and we do in fact need to approach ethical theories in a similar manner as the approach to investigate scientific theories and how one needs to gather facts and information to form the basis for the best conclusion, and we can provide a framework to analyze moral issues in a "coherent, consistent, comprehensive and systematic" way.  We must recognize that there is not always going to be a clear answer for issues raised because cybertechnology is a global force.  The fact that cybertechnology is global, when considering ethics, we have to be open minded and recognize that the morals in our Western culture will differ from other cultures around the globe.  The difficulty of trying to find a theory that can cover all beliefs is near to impossible.  I learned that we may have to consider moral theories that allow for more than one viewpoint.  

The example in Tavani's book that I had an immediate opinion about was the cyberstalking incident that was discussed.  I took a Deontology/Ethical Absolutism viewpoint.  I thought it was morally wrong for this woman to be a victim of this person who used the internet to track down, stalk and murder this young woman.  I felt the woman's privacy was violated and it was absolutely wrong for this person to use the internet to help him get access to this woman's personal information and use this information to track down and  murder this young woman.  This man was able to gain access to this young woman's information with the help of websites that made it possible to do such research.  Instead of just blaming the murderer this story also raised issues about whom else should be considered responsible and share blame, because access was provided by these other entities.  There is no question that the action of this murderer was wrong, there is no other plausible defense for him.  Freedom of speech and freedom to access such information can't be considered in this scenario, because the end result and purpose of what this murderer did is not justified period.

The other issue that was highlighted in numerous examples is the current discussion about downloading movies and music.  Many ethical questions arise, is it considered stealing due to copyright laws that exist today?  The western culture verses other cultures may have a different take on using copyrighted materials in a digital format.  Some may think it is ok to make a back up copy of such material.  Some may feel it is ok to download and make copies as long as they are not selling the data for a profit, they may compare it to past actions like making a recording off the radio using a cassette recorder or making a second vhs copy of a movie to let a friend or family see at a later date.  Doing this in the past may allow people to feel they are doing the same thing today and there is nothing wrong with this action.  Some people dont care that it is copyrighted material and there are laws that state the owner of such material reserves the option for how he/she material is used.  Some people use the thinking that the record companies overcharge consumers and the recording artists and companies get paid millions, but in further analysis this may on be true if everyone steals the content on the market, or they "download" a copy of such content.  I did learn that in Asian cultures an example was presented specifically the Confucius way of thinking is based on their culture that they that show honor to creators of digital content by sharing with others, which runs contrary to Western laws.  This shows that there is not a clear theory that would cover this way of thinking and action.  The Western culture may use "ultilitarian theory" while knowing our countries laws would deem we use "deontologian theory " or even ethical absolutism.  However when considering multicultural viewpoints, one may consider using "ethical relativism" or other perspectives like "confucius ethics".  This presents the dilemma of finding a sound ethical theory that would satisfy all parties involved.