Ethics and Technology What Is the Relationship?
Ethics and Technology
What is the Relationship?
Rick Wagoner
Information Education Technology 600, Section 002
Professor Dr. A Zargari
September 10, 2004
Ethics and Technology
What is the Relationship? With technology as well as many other fields of study or concentration we must be sure of our actions and motives before studying, researching, creating, developing, or implementing a new advancement. Consideration must be given to the results of our actions as a measure of prudence. When making these decisions should ethical considerations be included in the equation? Will ethical considerations change our decision? Is it even our responsibility to look at how our actions affect society or the environment? These are the primary considerations that will be considered in the following discussion.
Ethics and Conflict Resolution According to Hjorth, Eichler, Khan, and Morello (2003) “For at least the last two decades, many of the most divisive ethical issues debated in Western societies have been precipitated by developments in science and technology, including advances in reproductive, genetic, weapons, and life-prolonging technologies.” (p.5). Because more and more societal issues are of an ethical nature we must be able to understand the basic considerations involved in such judgments. Hjorth et al. (2003) list four primary considerations of ethical decision making: the facts of the matter; affected patients and their interests; key concepts, criteria, and principles; and ethical theories and arguments. To fully understand an issue you must gather the facts of the matter. A decision should never be made without fully considering the entire situation and all of the associated facts. You should consider how your decision will affect those around you. This should not be limited by geography or time; you should look to the future impact of your decisions. Key concepts of the issue under consideration may influence judgment and
What is the Relationship?
Rick Wagoner
Information Education Technology 600, Section 002
Professor Dr. A Zargari
September 10, 2004
Ethics and Technology
What is the Relationship? With technology as well as many other fields of study or concentration we must be sure of our actions and motives before studying, researching, creating, developing, or implementing a new advancement. Consideration must be given to the results of our actions as a measure of prudence. When making these decisions should ethical considerations be included in the equation? Will ethical considerations change our decision? Is it even our responsibility to look at how our actions affect society or the environment? These are the primary considerations that will be considered in the following discussion.
Ethics and Conflict Resolution According to Hjorth, Eichler, Khan, and Morello (2003) “For at least the last two decades, many of the most divisive ethical issues debated in Western societies have been precipitated by developments in science and technology, including advances in reproductive, genetic, weapons, and life-prolonging technologies.” (p.5). Because more and more societal issues are of an ethical nature we must be able to understand the basic considerations involved in such judgments. Hjorth et al. (2003) list four primary considerations of ethical decision making: the facts of the matter; affected patients and their interests; key concepts, criteria, and principles; and ethical theories and arguments. To fully understand an issue you must gather the facts of the matter. A decision should never be made without fully considering the entire situation and all of the associated facts. You should consider how your decision will affect those around you. This should not be limited by geography or time; you should look to the future impact of your decisions. Key concepts of the issue under consideration may influence judgment and
References: Burke, James. Connections. Hjorth, Linda S., Eichler, Barbara A., Khan, Ahmed S., Morello, John A. (2003) Technology and Society A Bridge to the 21st Century. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, Columbus, Ohio: Prentice Hall.