Computing Ethics
November 29, 2006
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Ethics
•Ethics is the study of what it means to “do
the right thing.” It is often equated with
moral philosophy because it concerns
how one arrives at specific moral choices.
•Ethical theory posits that people are
rational, independent moral agents, and
that they make free choices.
•Computer ethics is a branch of ethics that
specifically deals with moral issues in
computing.
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Normative vs. Descriptive Ethics
•Normative ethics: tell us what we should
do in making practical moral standards.
•Descriptive ethics: focus on what people
actually believe to right or wrong, the
moral values (or ideals) they hold up to,
how they behave, and what ethical rules
guide their moral reasoning.
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Deontological Theories
•Deon meaning obligation in Greek
•Ethical decisions should be made solely by
considering one's duties and the absolute
rights of others
•The principal philosopher in this tradition is
Emmanuel Kant (1724-1804).
•A key concept is the “categorical imperative” --
an absolute, unconditional requirement that
guides human act in all circumstances.
–Act only according to that maxim by which you can
at the same time will that it would become a
universal law.
