Class time: 12PM
KEEP THIS TO 1-3 – PAGES LONG (EXCLUDING REFERENCE PAGE)
Author: Sara Baase
Date of Publication: 2008
Book: A Gift of Fire
Sections read: 1.3-1.4
1. (Knowledge)Tell three interesting elements of this chapter:
a. There was an error with the ATMs for a large New York bank which caused accounts to debited twice for approximately $15 million.
b. A deontological idea is an idea where a distinction is made between ethical theories viewed as either positive or negative due to an intrinsic aspect.
c. Commercial laws define rules for economic
transactions and contracts.
2. (Comprehension)Summarize what is being discussed within this chapter?
Many issues involving the impact of technology have many pros and cons, but people generally only notice one side. We often prefer convenience over the benefits of the economy and society, as in the use of ATMs. We also trade off convenience for security and privacy. Laws also benefit people and businesses in different ways.
Ethics is known as a study of the definition of doing the right thing. People act based off of emotions therefore our choices are not always rational and right. Ethical rules are the moral rules for human interactions. Deontological (nonconsequentialist) ideas are ideas where a distinction is made between ethical theories viewed as either positive or negative due to an intrinsic aspect. These deontologists emphasize duty and absolute rules. They also state that logic and reason determine rules of ethical behavior. The main example of a consequentialist theory would be Utilitarianism. Someone’s utility is what satisfies their own personal needs and values. Utilitarianism is a very influential theory and it has several branches like act utilitarianism. We as a society have our natural rights which are fundamental rights and they include the right to life, liberty, and property. Negative rights (liberties) are rights which are acted without interference and claim rights (positive rights) force people to be obligated some people to provide certain things to other. There are also many conflicts between positive and negative rights. Laws are not always ethical and they do not always agree with one another. It isn’t always ethically right to do something that is right and vice versa.
3. (Application)Name a specific example or NEW solution for this type of problem/similar situation in society or that you have experienced – be specific and explain?
A specific example I have which is related to this type of problem is errors with ATM machines. (1.3) My ATM card often does not work and I cannot withdraw money from the ATM. Also, a very good friend of mine had his ATM card stolen and had his account drained by a criminal. Tighter security would help identity fraud and theft. Placing cameras in ATMs could help detect and find the criminals. (http://www.scambusters.org/atmtheft.html) One way of helping prevent ATM theft is using the same ATM every time and searching for external devices placed on ATMs that could potential be cameras or card readers. (http://www.ehow.com/how_4410876_avoid-atm-scam-atm-theft.html)
4. (Analysis)Address ANY that apply. How can you compare one of the situations in this chapter to something that does not relate to computers, technology, or the Internet? Be sure to reference the chapter and your solution. What ideas NEW can you add to the issue that is being presented within the reading? Try to connect what you have by reading this article and how it applies to the stages in Bloom's taxonomy in
2 full sentences.
A good comparison for the issue of society being hurt due to people wanting the convenience that does not relate to technology would be the fast food industry. Fast food is generally very unhealthy and sometimes harmful to people yet society loves it because it is extremely convenient. (1.3) The issue here is that it is also cheaper to eat fast food than it is to eat healthy food. I would propose lowering the price of healthy food and implying a “fat tax” which taxes fat foods. Denmark is currently having a debate over the effectiveness of this act. (http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/10/03/denmark-government-officials-impose-fat-tax/) Society as a whole is sometimes seen as lazy and the major emphasis we put on convenience over many other things is an example of this.
5. (Synthesis) Address all that apply. Do you agree with what is being said within the article (Why/Why not? Back up with FACTS)? What new conclusions can you draw about this (or other topics) after reading this material?
I do agree with what is being said because I feel as if we have given up security for convenience. Society is hurt because we tend to do things that best serve us individually rather than as a whole. Also, I agree that ethically right is not always legal and vice versa. It is legal to gamble and drink but it is not necessarily ethical to some people. I can conclude that every issue, regardless what it is has two sides. Also, majority of the time, it is not necessarily right in every way to one or another.
6. (Evaluation) Address all that apply. Judge whether or not this topic is relevant in today’s society? Evaluate why you are viewing the topic in this manner based on your experiences. What ethical evaluations (see Chap1-1.4 for exp of Ethics) or decisions were made/can be assumed from this chapter? What new ideas will you make after reading this chapter?
This topic is without a doubt relevant in today’s society. This is because ethics are part of everyone’s life. Also we as society are hurt because of our individualistic ways of life. I am viewing this topic the way I am because I have personally experienced the harmful side effects of the importance of convenience. There are rights and wrongs to the reliance we place on convenience. Yes, it may make our lives easier, but at a cost. The main question though is, is there more rights or wrongs relating to convenience, especially involving personal things such as ATM and our wealth. I will think twice about relying on what is solely easiest and perhaps look at what may be ethically right.
References
Associated
Press. "Government Officials Impose 'Fat Tax' Fox News." Fox
News - Breaking News Updates Latest News Headlines Photos & News Videos.
Fox News, 03 Oct. 2011. Web. 18 Feb. 2012.
Baase, Sara. A Gift of Fire: Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues for Computing and
the Internet. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008. Print.
Contributor, EHow. "How to Avoid ATM Scam or ATM Theft EHow.com." EHow How to Videos, Articles & More -
Discover the Expert in You. EHow.com. EHow, 15 Oct. 2011. Web. 18 Feb.
2012.
Lanford, Audri/Jim. "Keep Safe From These ATM Scams." "Internet Scams,
Identity Theft, and Urban Legends: Are You at Risk?" Internet
Scambusters. Web. 18 Feb. 2012.
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