Ethical Aspects - La sécurité

Question 1

What is the main argument of Hobbes’ Leviathan?

Answer 1

The state, created through a social contract, exists to prevent the chaos of the ‘state of nature’ by holding a monopoly on legitimate violence.

Question 2

Fill in the blank: In Tocqueville’s view, increasing equality can lead to a passive state control known as ‘____ despotism.’

Answer 2

soft

Question 3

How does Tocqueville’s ‘soft despotism’ affect society?

Answer 3

It leads individuals to surrender freedoms for security, reducing political engagement and making society vulnerable to state control.

Question 4

Define totalitarianism according to Roland Quilliot.

Answer 4

A political system where the state controls all aspects of life, including private matters, eliminating individual freedoms.

Question 5

What is ‘dataveillance’?

Answer 5

Surveillance that relies on collecting and analyzing data from individuals to monitor their behavior.

Question 6

Fill in the blank: Bentham’s ____ model allows for central observation where individuals alter behavior as if constantly watched.

Answer 6

Panopticon

Question 7

What is ‘ethics by design’?

Answer 7

A proactive approach in technology development, considering ethical implications during design to prevent misuse or harm.

Question 8

Explain ‘algorithmic governance’ according to Rouvroy.

Answer 8

A system where decision-making relies on algorithmic data analysis, risking transparency and ethical accountability.

Question 9

Fill in the blank: Hobbes believed that without a sovereign state, society would fall into a violent ‘state of ____.’

Answer 9

nature

Question 10

What is ‘sousveillance’?

Answer 10

Mutual surveillance where individuals observe each other, often as a reaction to state or institutional monitoring.

Question 11

What are the primary motivations for surveillance, according to the document?

Answer 11

Establishing behavioral expectations, data comparison, and influencing observed behavior.

Question 12

Describe the ethical concern with dual-use technology.

Answer 12

Technologies can serve both beneficial and harmful purposes, requiring ethical foresight to prevent misuse.

Question 13

What does Tocqueville identify as a risk in democratic societies?

Answer 13

That people may prioritize personal interests over public life, allowing the state to centralize power unopposed.

Question 14

What is ‘ethics in computing’ as defined by the Computer Ethics Institute’s 10 Commandments?

Answer 14

Guidelines promoting responsible computer use, including respect for privacy, intellectual property, and non-harm.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: The ____ metaphor in surveillance studies symbolizes how perceived monitoring leads to self-regulation.

Answer 15

Panopticon

Question 16

What is a consequence of ‘soft despotism’ if left unchecked?

Answer 16

It could lead to true despotism, where the state has unopposed control over citizens’ lives.

Question 17

What does the term ‘dual-use’ imply about technology?

Answer 17

That technology can be both a remedy and a potential harm, depending on its application.

Question 18

How does totalitarianism differ from ‘soft despotism’?

Answer 18

Totalitarianism enforces strict control openly, while soft despotism subtly erodes freedoms under the guise of welfare and safety.

Question 19

Fill in the blank: Hobbes argued that the fear of the ___ ensures compliance with state rules.

Answer 19

sovereign

Question 20

Explain ‘Panopticon’ and its psychological impact.

Answer 20

A model where individuals believe they might be watched, leading them to self-regulate even without constant surveillance.

Question 21

What is the role of surveillance in ‘control societies’ as per Deleuze?

Answer 21

Surveillance extends beyond physical confinement, using tools like electronic monitoring to maintain control.

Question 22

Fill in the blank: Totalitarianism rejects any form of ____ by eliminating diverse perspectives.

Answer 22

pluralism

Question 23

Who wrote ‘De la démocratie en Amérique’ and analyzed the risks of democracy?

Answer 23

Alexis de Tocqueville

Question 24

How does ‘soft despotism’ manifest in democratic societies?

Answer 24

Citizens trade personal freedoms for state-provided comfort, potentially weakening public political involvement.

Question 25

What is the ethical critique of ‘algorithmic governance’?

Answer 25

It may lack transparency and accountability, with decisions attributed solely to algorithms rather than humans.

Question 26

Why did Hobbes believe in the necessity of a social contract?

Answer 26

To prevent the chaos of a ‘war of all against all’ in the natural state, where self-preservation drives violence.

Question 27

Fill in the blank: In Hobbes’ theory, the state’s role is to prevent the violent ‘state of ____.’

Answer 27

nature

Question 28

Define ‘computer ethics’ as outlined by the Computer Ethics Institute’s 10 Commandments.

Answer 28

Ethical guidelines for computer users to avoid harm, respect privacy, and acknowledge intellectual property.

Question 29

What is ‘ethics by design’ in technology?

Answer 29

An approach ensuring ethical considerations are built into the technology from its inception.

Question 30

Explain Tocqueville’s view on individualism in democracy.

Answer 30

He argued that excessive focus on personal interests can lead to political disengagement and empower state overreach.

Question 31

Fill in the blank: Tocqueville warns that unchecked state power could evolve into a ‘____ despotism’ in democratic societies.

Answer 31

soft

Question 32

Describe Foucault’s perspective on societal control.

Answer 32

He viewed modern society as moving from punishment-focused control to continuous monitoring and discipline within institutions.