Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Relativistic theories are based on the idea that people
invent
morality. A relativist
claims there are no universal moral principles. Subjective relativism is the theory that
morality is an individual creation. Cultural relativism is the idea that each society de-
termines its own morality. If morality is invented, and no set of moral guidelines is any
better than another, then there are no objective criteria that can be used to determine
if one set of guidelines is better than another. Under these circumstances, the study of
ethics is extremely difficult, if not impossible.
In contrast, objectivism is based on the idea that morality has an existence outside
the human mind. It is the responsibility of people to
discover
morality. An objectivist
claims there are certain universal moral principles that are true for all people, regardless
of their historical or cultural situation. All of the other theories discussed in this chapter
are based on objectivism, including the five most practical theories that we will be
using throughout the rest of the topic: Kantianism, act utilitarianism, rule utilitarianism,
social contract theory, and virtue ethics.
Our discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of these practical theories revealed
that each of them contains a valuable insight. According to Kant, every human being is
equally valuable, and every interaction with another person should respect that person's
rationality and autonomy. Utilitarians understand that it's helpful to consider the conse-
quences of an action when deciding whether it is right or wrong. Social contract theory
focuses on the individual and collective benefits of protecting certain human rights, such
as the right to life, liberty, and property. Virtue ethics is based on the idea that you can
count on a good person to do the right thing at the right time in the right way.
Our discussion of these theories also revealed that none of them is perfect. In prac-
tice, however, there is no reason why you should not consider virtues
and
duties
and
rights
and
consequences when making moral decisions. If analyses from all of these
perspectives result in a consensus on the right course of action, you can make the de-
cision with confidence. For more challenging cases, however, you will find it impossible
to come up with a virtuous course of action that respects everyone's rights absolutely
and maximizes the total increase in happiness. That's when things get interesting! Most
of the scenarios discussed in the rest of the topic fall into the latter category.
In the chapters that follow, we'll use Kantianism, act utilitarianism, rule utilitarian-
ism, social contract theory, and virtue ethics to evaluate a variety of situations arising
from the introduction of information technology into society. Every analysis will be
based on one of the theories, so that you may come to a better understanding of how
to apply each theory to different situations. As you ponder these cases and discuss them
with others, you will learn more about your own values, what kind of person you want
to be, and what kind of world you want to live in.
1.
Define in your own words what “the ethical point of view" means.
2.
Define morality and ethics in your own words.
3.
What is the difference between morality and ethics?
