Ethical Diemma
Case studies are a standard method of teaching for philosophy, law, and to a lesser extent, the social sciences. A computer ethics case study is a specific story, usually based on true events, which presents an ethical dilemma. Dilemmas are problems which do not have solutions based in facts; rather they call upon principles, general rules of morality and ethics which guide actions. Philosophical ethics is the study of these principles.
The goal of philosophical ethics is not finding “correct solutions”, it is identifying clear thinking and the implications of clear thinking for behavior. Clear thinking is a meta-skill, a skill that applies to almost all other skills. Like other skills, clear thinking requires learning, practice, discipline, and direct experience. We learn clear thinking when faced with relevant personal decisions that do not have clean answers but do have direct consequences. The objective of philosophical debate is not to change a person’s mind, rather it is to identify the assumptions underlying a position and the quality of thought which supports that position.
You may already have noticed that discussions of philosophical ethics are branchy, the ideas lead quickly from one to another and it is easy to lose the focus of conversation. One role of the case study is to help focus discussion. Philosophical ethics is also deep, answers and intentions are difficult to identify, often requiring extensive analysis, self-observation, and argumentation.
For these reasons, this class will enforce some ground rules for group discussion and for written assignments and commentary.
Ground Rules for Discussion of Computer Ethics
1. The reasoning which leads to an opinion is important, not the opinion itself.
2. When discussing a case study, do not change the circumstances or the story of the study. 3. Apply structured techniques to formulate and clarify thinking.
4. Identify the ethical component of an issue (what part of a dilemma
The goal of philosophical ethics is not finding “correct solutions”, it is identifying clear thinking and the implications of clear thinking for behavior. Clear thinking is a meta-skill, a skill that applies to almost all other skills. Like other skills, clear thinking requires learning, practice, discipline, and direct experience. We learn clear thinking when faced with relevant personal decisions that do not have clean answers but do have direct consequences. The objective of philosophical debate is not to change a person’s mind, rather it is to identify the assumptions underlying a position and the quality of thought which supports that position.
You may already have noticed that discussions of philosophical ethics are branchy, the ideas lead quickly from one to another and it is easy to lose the focus of conversation. One role of the case study is to help focus discussion. Philosophical ethics is also deep, answers and intentions are difficult to identify, often requiring extensive analysis, self-observation, and argumentation.
For these reasons, this class will enforce some ground rules for group discussion and for written assignments and commentary.
Ground Rules for Discussion of Computer Ethics
1. The reasoning which leads to an opinion is important, not the opinion itself.
2. When discussing a case study, do not change the circumstances or the story of the study. 3. Apply structured techniques to formulate and clarify thinking.
4. Identify the ethical component of an issue (what part of a dilemma