Cyberethics – Chapter 40

Book: Cyberethics – Subsumption Ethics

Library Reference: N/A

Amazon.com Reference: http://www.amazon.com/Cyberethics-Morality-Cyberspace-Richard-Spinello/dp/B001E2Y7GQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239721761&sr=1-2

Quote:

“The different between computers and simple machines is the extent to which computer systems subsume design and development decisions over which users have little or no control.” by David H. Gleason.

What I expect to learn:

I intend to know in this chapter the meaning of subsumption ethics.

Chapter Review:

Subsumption ethics is the process by which decisions become incorporated into the operation of information technology (IT) systems, and subsequently forgotten. There are four axioms of subsumption ethics: A. Information systems subsume design, policy and implementation decisions in programming code and content; B. Subsumed objects have determinate moral value; C. Subsumed objects have a high “invisibility factor;” and D. Subsumptive complexity increases over time. These axioms can be applied to practical problems in IT by using them in conjunction with established ethical frameworks.

Information systems subsume design, policy and implementation decisions in programming code.

The right to privacy is similarly guaranteed by article 8 of the ECHR. Data protection comes within the scope of the protection of private life guaranteed under this article. Derogations to the principles of data protection and to article 8 of the ECHR must be in accordance with the law and must respect the principle of proportionality. Equally limits to freedom of expression, such as the ones that might derive from the application of data protection principles, must also be in accordance with the law and respect the principle of proportionality.

The differences between these three models should not however be over-estimated. In most cases, independently of any express derogation that may exist, data protection legislation does not apply fully to the media because of the special constitutional status of the rules on freedom of expression and freedom of the press. These rules place a de facto limit on the application of substantive data protection provisions or at least their effective enforcement.

What I learned:

In this chapter, I learned that the difference between computers and simple achiness is the extent to which computer subsume design and development decisions over which users have little or no control.

I also learned that there is a close relationship between computer systems and organizational policy. Some example is the state motor vehicle.

Integrative Questions:

1.    What is subsumption ethics?

2.    What does IT means?

3.    What are the four ethical principles that have roots in antiquity?

4.    What do we call the third ethical principle?

5.    This is a part of an ancient Hindu Text called Mahabharata, what is it?