Key Ethical Concepts: Justice, Corporate Responsibility, and Software IP

1. Justice and the Principle of Utility

Why is Justice a Problem for Utilitarianism?

The Principle of Utility often faces challenges regarding justice. One perspective suggests that it is acceptable for inequalities to develop if they meet two conditions:

1. They contribute to the overall good in the long run.
2. They can be achieved by anyone (fair opportunity).

4. Moral Issues Raised by Computers

Defining Analogical Reasoning in Ethics

Analogical reasoning serves as a crucial tool for comparing known moral baselines to situations where the morality is uncertain. By comparing similar cases that the observer already understands, conclusions can be drawn about a new, relatively similar topic.

Are Computer Ethics Truly New?

(See also Section 9 for further discussion on new technologies.)

5. Software Development: Components and Rights

Key Components of a Program

A program consists of several components:

• Algorithm: The set of steps required to accomplish a task.
• Source Code: The instruction set coded in a specific language.
• Object Program: A binary code derived from the source, executable by a computing machine.

Developer Rights Regarding Created Programs

(This question is addressed in detail in Sections 14 and 15.)

7 & 8. Business Morality and Profitability

Defining Stakeholders

Stakeholders are groups vital to the survival and success of a business. These typically include:

• Owners
• Employees
• Customers
• The local community

A business must consider how stakeholders will be affected when making business decisions.

Can a Business Be Moral and Profitable?

The inherent tension suggests that for a business to be morally ethical often seems unethical from a purely business point of view. It appears natural that businesses will prioritize profit over strict moral adherence.

9. Reconsidering Ethics for New Technologies

Are Computer Ethics Truly New?

The consensus is that the old rules governing morals and ethics must be reconsidered when applied to new technologies. As new technologies are created and evolve, we must rethink our existing moral frameworks concerning their use and impact.

10. The Scope of Corporate Responsibility

Is Profit the Sole Responsibility of Business?

Even assuming that a business’s primary responsibility centers on maximizing profits, situations that appear good for business but are detrimental to society are often ultimately bad for the business itself. While these examples might maximize short-term profit, they cause significant harm to customers and society, leading to long-term negative consequences.

11. Justice and the Original Position

The Veil of Ignorance Thought Experiment

To address the problems of justice within utilitarian frameworks, consider the following thought experiment:

Imagine setting up moral conventions without any knowledge of how you might be affected by those conventions. You must assume you do not know your future:

• Race
• Social and economic status
• Educational level, etc.

This process of creating conventions from behind the Veil of Ignorance highlights how pure utility maximization can fail to protect individual rights.

14 & 15. Intellectual Property and Software Rights

The Conflict Between Ownership and Freedom of Thought

Software creators face a dilemma regarding exclusive ownership rights. Granting such rights risks interfering with the fundamental right to freedom of thought. If a user can figure out the underlying algorithm simply by using and analyzing the software, protecting the code effectively requires controlling that individual’s ability to understand and replicate the concept.

Consequences of Protecting Proprietary Software

When determining the scope of software developer rights, it is essential to consider both the positive and negative consequences of protecting for-profit software, specifically analyzing the effects on continued creativity and technological development.