Instructions
Choose one ethical issue arising from the use of ICT that has beenreported in the press in the last one year, and discuss it in depth. Show why or how the technology creates or contributes to the problem. Produce an article, discussing both sides of the issue (pros and cons) drawing on both technical and philosophical literature. In addition, argue for your own view of the matter, giving your reasons for your point of view and showing why you believe that they are better than opposing views.
You will be assessed on your ability to reason, analyse and present cogent argument for the particular case. You should outline the main statement you wish to make about your chosen ethical issue along with your reasons and others’ objections to it. You may use any appropriate technique to set out the basic structure of your article.
You are required to submit the following:
A comprehensive and coherent article containing your critical analysis of the ICT related ethical
issue.
Your article should present the following :
– Introduction
– The main point(s) of the issue.
– The pros and cons for the main point(s) (your reasons and objections as well as those of others) including a critique of the effectiveness of the arguments presented.Ethical theories and concepts must be appropriately applied to your analysis.
– Conclusions logically drawn from the analysis presented.
Use appropriate headings and subheadings to organize the content of your article.
Note: You may find the ‘Doing Ethics’ technique, described in the following article helpful to form the basis of your analysis. However, as mentioned before, you can use any other appropriate technique if you like.
Simpson, R. et. al. (2003). Doing ethics: A universal technique in an accessibility context. AJIS, 10(2), 127-133.
This article is available fromhttp://journal.acs.org.au/index.php/ajis/article/view/159/141
RATIONALE
This assessment task will assess the following learning outcome/s:
- be able to discuss various philosophical theories of ethics and how these relate to the ethical and legal issues raised by current practices involving ICT.
- be able to apply ethical theories and concepts to analyse ICT related ethical dilemmas.
