IT is a Christian vocation. However, the extent to which IT practices are exercised in a Christian way is largely dependent on the individual because, as with everything else, IT can be used both for the good and the bad, as explained in the following ethical theories of moral relativism, utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics (Pojman & Fieser, 2008).
Moral Relativism
The theory of Moral Relativism does agree with IT as a Christian vocation. While Moral Relativism recognizes cultural differences, it can be considered that IT has universal principles. For example, programming languages remain the same no matter where it is used or how it is used. The Internet is also a universal concept that applies in all parts of the world. At the same time, however, IT also makes room for cultural and even individual differences by making software applications or IT services customizable. For example, while the same Facebook application can be accessed all over the world, users can customize it so that it suits their preferences and so that they can remove or modify any element of the application that they find offensive. Some Internet Service providers and software applications also allow parents to restrict the kinds of websites that their children can access, ensuring that their children do not get exposed to anything they’re not supposed to.
Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism is defined as “the maximization of goodness in society – that is, the greatest goodness for the greatest number – and not merely the good of the agent” (Pojman & Feiser, 2008, p. 102). While intellectual property rights are very much guarded by numerous laws and regulations, IT does apply the theory of utilitarianism in a lot of ways, too. One example is open source systems where other IT professionals and hobbyists can freely make use of and modify a system. Although they don’t get compensated or recognized for their efforts, they do so for the greater good of other users. Examples of these open source systems are Linux and Android. Wikipedia is another good example where content contributors don’t necessarily get acknowledged for their contributions, but they still contribute content for the sake of the greater good.
Deontological Ethics
IT practices do not entirely adhere to the principles of deontological ethics. On one hand, IT does aim to provide computer users with as much protection as possible in the forms secure connections, antivirus, and the like. On the other hand, though, IT is flexible in that it allows for “rules to be broken.” For example, while normally prohibited, IT experts would be allowed to hack into a person’s Twitter, Facebook, or email accounts for the purpose of criminal investigations. Pornography is also tolerated over the Internet in support of the freedom of expression.
Virtue Ethics
Since virtue ethics would depend largely on an individual’s’ personal values, it can be said that IT as a vocation does not completely adhere to the principles of virtue ethics. For example, while some software developers offer their products for free in order to help users (for example, free antivirus products) and while a lot of IT companies actively make charitable donations to fulfill their social responsibility, there are also a lot of IT experts who use their skills and knowledge to the detriment of others. Examples are the hackers, the creators of viruses and spyware, and those who copy or use other people’s ideas to further their own goals, as in the case of intellectual property theft.
References
Bynum, T. W. & Rogerson, S. (2003, September 19). Computer ethics and professional responsibility. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell Pojman, L. P. & Fieser, J. (2008, February 12). Ethics: Discovering right and wrong (6th ed.).
Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Veith, G. E., Jr. (2002). God at work: Your Christian vocation in all of life. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books
