Aristotle’s “Virtue Ethics”

Ethical relativism argues that there is no universal basis of what is ethical and what is not and that is because of the diverse differences in culture, and religion, among others, that influences the judgment on morality. On the other hand, ethical absolutism argues that there must be only one basis of ethical standard. Ethical egoism promotes action out of one’s own self-interest while ethical altruism encourages action out betterment of others. These are moral principles that are categorized as “Preliminary theories” which have been the objects of discussions because of some flaws each theory contains.

And then we have the “Finalist theories” of John Stuart, Immanuel Kant and Aristotle. For Stuart, he claims that morality is dependent to the degree of happiness that can be obtained from a certain action. On the other hand, Kant’s Categorical Imperatives states that the act is considered good if it is done because of the intention to do good per se, without any exemptions. Lastly, Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics is basically according to the “virtues” of life. I personally consider it as the most interesting among the finalist theories since, for me, it covers many aspects of life. According to Aristotle, “virtue ethics” is further classified as moral virtues and intellectual virtues. A moral virtue, also known as virtue of character, pertains to generosity and temperance. According to these virtues, one should only aspire everything in moderation. Through temperance also, one can control his “bodily pleasures” and be able to deviate oneself from wicked things such as pornography. The intellectual virtue, on the other hand, consists of wisdom, intelligence and understanding. Aristotle gave importance to these virtues since it is necessary to enable man to think and decide through his analysis and understanding to certain action or activity and behave according to what is just.

Aristotle also believes that misfortunes of man are not and should not be a hindrance in the attainment of happiness in life. In fact, according to him, such experience would make man a stronger person that will help him withstand any foregoing trials in life. Aristotle's concepts of ethics encourage man to aspire in doing good deeds and have a better character. He also elucidates that true happiness cannot be attained overnight but through the righteous deeds in your entire duration of existence on earth.


Reference:

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

Virtues in Computing

“Now we take the human’s function to be a certain kind of life, and take this life to be the soul’s activity and actions that express reason. Hence the excellent man’s function is to do this finely and well. Each function is completed well when its completion expresses the proper virtue. Therefore the human good turns out to be the soul’s activity that expresses virtue.” - Aristotle

Aristotle emphasizes different virtues in his ethical theory. These virtues do not only aim for the attainment of happiness but also teach man to do good things and be good. Aristotle’s identified virtues can be applied in some areas in computing:

Generosity – Due to the costs of proprietary softwares in the market today, people promotes sharing of resources to help one another in developing information systems, be it a source code or a completed program. One example is the DOST Sourceport Project which was created to provide a portal for all systems being developed by DOST and share these information systems to other agencies. Through this site, government agencies or even private companies can obtain a copy of a particular system developed mostly by DOST agencies. On the otherhand, online discussion fora also facilitate sharing of information regarding any topics related to computing. One can virtually ask for help related to programming and others can share their ideas and suggestions to solve whatever problems at hand.

Temperance – It teaches man to deviate oneself from excessive amount of pleasurable activities considered “bodily pleasures”. Such activities include visiting porn sites and spreading of illicit images throughout the Internet.

Wisdom, Comprehension, Intelligence – Having these virtues, man will surely be guided in obeying computer ethics. For instance, through wisdom, man will be able to recognize the difference between good and bad and will choose the former than the latter. In computing, man will consider the IPR that applies in the program or lines of code that he will use for his system, and thus, he will recognize the developer of the program by retaining the copyright portion of the code. Additionally, being aware of computer virus and its effects once infected a computer, one shall refrain from sending viruses to others through email. Finally, through intelligence, man will be guided to develop information systems or technologies that will greatly improve the lives of the people.


Reference:

Nicomachean Ethics. [Online]. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicomachean_Ethics.