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Ethical Dilemmas Related to Technology
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."
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
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!