Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Ethical Dilemmas Related to Technology

Posted by michael on from the stop-dave...-will-you-stop-dave dept.

Anonymous Coward writes "I have a relative who will be teaching a college class on the topic of ethical dilemmas brought about by new technology. Unfortunately, he doesn't keep up with technology news, so he's not sure what the most relevant dilemmas are. For example, 'If robots came alive, would we be justified in killing them?' is one that might come up if nothing more relevant were suggested. (OK, it might not be that bad, but you get the idea. He was using Netscape 4.76 on system 9 until last week.) So, what are the most relevant ethical dilemmas brought up by technology? Note that I am looking for ethical dilemmas, e.g. 'Is Activity X moral?' rather than legal dilemmas like 'Is the DMCA constitutional?' Now is your chance to guide the young minds of the future toward stuff that matters."

6 of 704 comments (clear)

  1. Here's one for you... by Sick+Boy · · Score: 5, Funny

    How about, "should somebody who isn't familiar with the issues be responsible for teaching them?" Seriously, this could also spin off into "should the largely technologically illiterate Congress be making laws about technology?" and other topics that shine light onto the pressing concerns that have been the cause of umteen YRO articles.

    --
    Does narcissism count as a hobby? --Shawn Latimer
  2. Did anybody else read that as... by The+Pi-Guy · · Score: 4, Funny

    Is ActiveX moral? I think the answer would be no, unless implemented right.

  3. Who buys? by meta-monkey · · Score: 4, Funny

    If I, as a technology specialist, continue to field random tech support phone calls from freinds, family, and friends of friends and family, what are the ethical rules surrounding the beer they rightfully owe me? Should said beer be handed over before or after services are rendered? What about an "all you can drink while you're here" policy for housecalls?

    These are important ethical dilemmas that need discussion and input from the academic community.

    --
    We don't have a state-run media we have a media-run state.
  4. Re:Here's mine: by Linux-based-robots · · Score: 5, Funny

    Sharing is fine unless it's software or music.
    That's what I was taught in kindergarten anyway:

    Teacher: Ok Peter, what did you bring for show-and-tell today to share with us? Oh, you brought software? Well don't share any of it! Sharing is wrong, sharing means you're a pirate!

    Actually I tend now to ignore all licenses unless the threat of physical force (the law) causes me to do otherwise. I believe licenses have no moral force.

    So I guess that makes me a pirate. In that case, Arrgh, matey! Let's hit the high seas! I've got some Britney Speares CDs in yonder chest!

  5. My Slasdot article submission... by Andrewkov · · Score: 4, Funny

    Hi Slashdot. I accepted a programming job paying in excess of $100,000. I start tomorrow but have never programmed before. Can you give me some tips to help me fake it? I really want this job, but I'm scared that my lack of programming skills will get me fired! Please help!

  6. He's teaching a class he knows nothing about by chudnall · · Score: 4, Funny

    "he doesn't keep up with technology news, so he's not sure what the most relevant dilemmas are."

    Doesn't this about sum up the state of our education system today?

    --
    Disclaimer: Evolution comes with NO WARRANTY, except for the IMPLIED WARRANTY of FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.