Daan and Kael

Case Background:
Daan is a computer buff. He loves to surf the Internet and try all available aplications. Daan also does web design and programming, among others. In one of his computer explorations, Daan discovered a virus that destroys the computer motherboard. To test his discovery, Daan surreptitiously installed the virus in his friend Kael's PC. After a week, Kael broke the sad news to Daan. His PC has bogged down and he needs to buy a new mother board. Daan finds himself torn between whether to tell Kael or not.


Daan violated a number of commandments on computer use.

“Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.” Though Daan did not initially intend to harm Kael per se, Daan’s action undeniably created an emotional damage to Kael. It also brought financial burden to Kael since he needs to buy a new motherboard.

“Thou shalt not interfere with other people’s computer work.” Because of what Daan did, Kael will not be able to use his PC for some important works.

“Thou shalt not use other people’s computer resources without authorization.” Daan secretly installed a computer virus on Kael’s computer with the intention to test the effect that it will bring to the motherboard. He obviously did not ask for permission from Kael anymore for obvious reason.

“Thou shalt use a computer in ways that show consideration and respect.” What Daan did was a clear act of dishonesty. Although Daan knows the possible effect of the virus in a computer, he still pursued his intentions that resulted unfavorably.


If I am Daan and if I really value our friendships, then I have to tell the truth and I will accept whatever consequences that may come along the way. As they say, telling the truth may be hard but it will definitely set me free. By doing so, I will also try to regain Kael’s trust with the promise that I will no longer do what I did to him.

On the other hand, If I were on Kael's shoes, again, if we really value our friendships then I will still give Daan another chance. If he is really sincere with his words and he will promise that he will not do what he did not only to me but to other people as well, then I will forgive him. I will also oblige him to replace my motherboard. And as he repairs the damage that he made to my computer, I will also try to forget everything that happened and patch things up.

Computer Percepts on Ethical Concepts and Theories

“Thou shalt not appropriate other people’s intellectual output.”

Intellectual Property Rights issue is one of the main concerns in computing. It has been one of the problems in the society that has something to do with the moral law. Reproducing software installer and replicating copies of audio or video disks show disrespect on the rights of people who manufacture the original copies. According to the survey, 146 out of 395 respondents believe that audio and video piracy is morally good and bad under some circumstances. Some reasoned that they buy pirated copies because they can not afford to buy the original one. However, it contradicts the ethical absolutist’s point-of-view which states that an ethical act should remain ethical (same percept goes with unethical act) in all circumstances.

“Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you write.”

Computer programs can make life easier and it can also be an instrument to harm people. Based on the theory of Utilitarianism, the effect of the program you write will be considered ethical if it brings happiness to other people. However, if the program will be used to harm people, and worse, destroy people’s lives, it will definitely against the first commandment of God, and thus, will be against the divine law.

“Thou shalt use a computer in ways that show consideration and respect.”

This percept on computer use also deals with the moral law. It says that people should show respect on the rights of others when using a computer. Rights to privacy, fidelity of using customer’s personal information and ownership of intellectual property rights are being covered by this computer concept. Showing consideration and respect to others should be done without any conditions, and thus, categorical imperatives apply in this percept.

Open-source Technology and Counting Machine

Open-source technology is one example of ethical issues in computing that promotes what Aristotle referred to as “Virtue Ethics.” More often than not, the cost of licensed software is something that most people can not afford to buy. Because of this, people begin to organize a group that would promote sharing of resources as well as sharing of programs or software that can be used with a minimal fee or no fee at all. This is in accordance to what Aristotle described as virtue of generosity. People who selfishly contribute their knowledge for the benefits of others, without expecting something in return, only prove that the attainment of happiness does not only confine to getting material goods out of something they developed but also in helping others. This only reaffirms the belief of Aristotle that “human virtuosity has sovereignty over fortune.”

Another ethical issue in computing is the use of counting machine to process the result of an election. Although some people oppose this technology as they think that it could be easily tampered with, the machine would actually make life easier for the people who facilitate the election and would avoid election fraud. With these, we can say that using a machine to aid man in processing of election results portray an ethical practice as described by the theory of Utilitarianism, which states the actions that bring happiness are considered morally right.

Reference:

Albacea, E. A., Payongayong, T. T, Pinpin, A. V. (2003). Computer Ethics. UPOU.

Ordering Principle in Computer

It is undeniable that today’s technologies have brought immense help in the society. For one, with just a one click on the mouse, your needed information will be readily available. However, some people use the computer as a medium to perform cyber crimes.

Any practice or activity that is unconstitutional should be restricted. I believe that every ordinance or law being implemented serves a meaningful purpose. It was created and being implemented to put peace and order in the society. Through ordering principles, people will be protected from computer crimes such as hacking, credit card fraud and even from receiving of unwanted emails. On the other hand, people will be warned and refrained from using the computer to harm other people.

However, ordering principles for computer use should not prohibit man to exercise his rights and freedom in utilizing the benefits of computer technology. While pornography in the Internet is being considered by others as unethical, some people see it as just a form of entertainment, and thus, some countries considered it legal. Such issue should not be dismissed since imposing restrictions to computer use might restrain a person to practice his rights.