Free Cyber Ethics- Homework Essay Example

Q1) In his article, James Moor asks, “what is it about computers that make them revolutionary?” Explain his answer to this question.
Ans) computer is an electronic device made to facilitate humans in storing and retrieving data. It is a revolutionary device because it is made to assist humans in their daily life, and it is one of the biggest technological advancement. There are special features of computer that make them revolutionary, one being its abundance and affordability. Nowadays, computer is found in every house and office, which shows its importance in the lives of people.
Secondly, with time, technological changes have been made in computers to make them more useful and easy to carry. Forty years back, computers were there but they were heavy, less technological and difficult to understand but now; computers are handy, user friendly and the engineering advances have made it an integral part of a person’s life.
Moreover, the logical malleability of computer acts as a benchmark in its revolution. There are unlimited computer applications that can be used for assistance and with time it has become an integral part of institutions throughout the society. In fact, there are many activities which were previously done by people, but now; computers are doing it for them, for example, calculating payrolls, vote count in elections, recording the sales of a shop, etc. The significance of computer is increasing with time due to its accuracy and speed, and people are getting dependant on computers. This reliability and dependency prove computer to be revolutionary, and there is no stopping to its technological advancements. It is predicted that within fifty years, various aspects of our daily work will be computerized, and our practices will revolve around the use of computer.
Q2) James Moor’s discusses how computers often operate invisibly. Explain the three kinds of invisibility he discusses, and why he thinks the three ways in which computers are invisible are ethically significant?
Ans) the invisible use of computers is being pointed out by different writers due to their ethical significance. James Moor has discussed three kinds of invisibility and the first one is invisible abuse. To define invisible abuse, it is when a person intentionally uses invisible operations to do unethical work such as stealing, hacking or creating virus in programs. For instance, James Moor presented an example of a person who stole the excess interest from the bank with the help of computer programs. He stole the money and successfully deposited it in his own account with the help of computer misuse.
There is also the case in which rival company hacked the data transmission lines of a Texas Oil Company secretly to take the leasing rights by bidding lower than the rates decided by Texas Company.
Another kind of invisible use of computer is invisible programming values. A person sets the programs in the computer according to his needs and demands which can be disadvantageous for other people. For instance in case of American airlines, it promoted a program named SABRE in which the programming was done in such a way that the computer showed it the best flight available even if it was not so. Competitor sued on the company on these grounds as it has to face huge financial losses.
The third kind of invisible use of computers is invisible complex calculations. Computers these days are technologically advanced and follow complex calculations that are beyond human understanding. Therefore making judgments based on computer calculation can be dangerous.
The three invisible factors are ethically significant as they can lead to misuse of computer and harm the people for which the computer is designed.
Q3) Nicholas Carr, in his article, suggests that using certain kinds of technologies, especial ones that extend our mental, as opposed to physical, abilities changes us --that we "begin to take on the qualities of those technologies." What does he mean by this? What example does he use? Can you think of other ways we have taken on the qualities of new technologies?
Ans) Technology is a blessing and has brought positive revivals in our lives but alongside, it has also brought a change in our mental abilities. According to the writer, he states that technology extends our mental capabilities, and we adapt the changes within our body. Researches prove that our brain has the quality to reprogram itself and alter the way of thinking. He explained his reasoning with the example of reading. Previously, the writer used to read lengthy novels and researches as it was his passion; with time and introduction of online books and search engines then writer observed a change in his habit. The researches and books which he previously read quickly now seemed boring, and he had developed a different style of reading according to the internet. This obviously didn’t mean he read less but have adapted online style that demands immediacy and efficiency, above all, rather than deep studies. Therefore, the technological advancement influences the thoughts of people and forces them to adapt new changes in lives. The main purpose of the writer is to show he negative effects the increasing use of technology can have on our changing minds, and such heavy dependency can lead to future losses.
We all have become techno maniacs and have adapted the increasing change within ourself of new technologies. Previously, I did all the mathematical calculations manually and recorded minute detail of my shops in the books but thanks to technological advancement; now I have adapted the change in method of recording and depend on my online methods of bookkeeping. I find the previous method of bookkeeping difficult and absurd now.
Also for any specific research, I do not prefer to go to libraries and look for various books but find my search engine a more convenient method of searching. This change has affected my reading skills adversely.
Q4) Howard Rheingold discusses how the Amish are cautious about adopting new technology. What rules or principles do the Amish use or appeal to in deciding whether to adopt a new form of technology? Are they good rules or principles? What rules do you follow, if any? Moreover, why?
Ans) Amish people have strict rules for deciding the use of technology. The people are not techno maniacs or dependant on technology due to their own ideology. They only accept the use of those technologies that fit within their self-imposed limits. In the case of work, they only use that technology that increases their productivity. Electricity is provided in the area through generators and batteries instead of public utility lines. The reason behind this mindset is they want to keep themselves separate from the world by avoiding the use of TV and radio. With generators and batteries, they will only use electricity for work and not leisure. Also, the workers are allowed to use mobile phones at work place but the rule states they should not use it at home as it disrupts family life.
The main rule which they follow to decide the use of technology is by the advice of bishops in the church. The bishops decide whether the technology should be used or not according to the religious terms.
The technology is brought by daring members of society who use it and generate a report about the consequence of its use. If the report states that the use of technology does not affect family life and bring the people closer, then the use of technology is allowed to public.
The main purpose of Amish people to curtail the use of technology is to make human bonding stronger and avoid the heavy influence of technology. For Amish people, community is always a preference to modernization and luxurious needs of individuals. According to me, the Amish follows god rules and I also avoid unnecessary use of technology specially mobile phones as the increased use of mobile phone waste my time and indulge me in sins such as gossiping and backbiting.