IT and Morals

Question 1

who is John P sullins? (2018)

Answer 1

His current research and publications involve the study of AI and technology ethics, particularly the analysis of the ethical impacts personal robotics technologies are having on our lives.

Question 2

Moral value Socrates

Answer 2

Socrates – transitions in technology
The history of oral traditions – Socrates never wrote anything down
We know of Socrates’ argument because his student Plato, did write things down (dialogues)
(forgetfulness) The reliance on written information reduces understanding – wisdom v knowledge?

Question 3

A new social contract?
Richard Mason

Answer 3

Richard Mason (1986) worried that changes in information technologies (roles in education, economic impacts) would ”challenge privacy, accuracy, property, accessibility” and that we would need a new social contract to protect society.
Mason, “one that

Question 4

what are the types of IT?

Answer 4

Types of IT (5)
Record (store)
E.g. book, website
Transmit (communicate)
E.g. phone, video calling
Organize & synthesize
E.g. dewey decimal system, search engines, LLMs

Question 5

The primary moral concern?

Answer 5

Collection, storage, and access to information must be done justly, fairly, and in the best interests of all parties involved

Question 6

Moral Values in Communicating and Accessing Information?

Answer 6

Moral theories must recognize and address the benefits and risks of modern communication methods
The primary moral values under pressure are: Privacy,Confidentiality,Ownership,Trust,
Veracity (truthfulness, accuracy)

Question 7

What about nefarious actors?

Answer 7

Cybercrime and the need for digital security
The “hacker ethic” and “hacktivism”
Security breach (unauthorized access) vs social justice right to access

Question 8

Moral Values in Organizing and Synthesizing Information?

Answer 8

Cybernetics – Norbert Wiener (1948) – automated information synthesis
Machines gather information, derive logical conclusions, imply certain actions that machines can carry out – all without human input
”Moral machines” (2008) – machines make decisions with moral impacts
E.g. credit card use, but also facial recognition software
Intent is to prevent or lessen harm (generally), but individual violation of rights
AI – artificial intelligence – growing sophistication of reasoning and responding

Question 9

Moral Challenges of IT at the Cultural Level?

Answer 9

1. Social media and networking
   Challenge the notion of ‘friendship’
   Issues of privacy, respect, authenticity, harm (bullying, grooming)
2. Online games and worlds
   Common portrayals of violence, sexism, sexual violence
3. Virtual game worlds
   Anti-social behaviour, isolation, gender equality issues
   Moral concerns at how childhood has been altered
4. Technological transparency paradox
   Social media platforms often free, but providers make huge financial profits through selling user information

Question 10

spyware information?

Answer 10

Criminal activity and the need for security
To protect data, technology systems, privacy…
Moral ambiguity of hacking and spyware
Is hacking always a moral wrong? Are there exceptions?
Rights of privacy, ownership vs greater good

Question 11

Future concerns of IT?

Answer 11

• Acceleration of change
  Change becomes so massive it changes what it means to be human
• Artificial intelligence and artificial life
  AI – intelligence and problem-solving
• Robotics and moral values
  Roboethics (machines that behave in morally defensible ways)
  Military robotics