A team of game designers must decide if players whose game characters commit violent and unlawful acts should be rewarded. The team agrees that the acts are simul-ations, and the game will be rated for adult or mature audiences. One designer raises questions about how contributing to this work will reflect upon the team's moral character. Which ethical theory does this represent?
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Virtue ethics, as developed by Aristotle, emphasizes traits like honesty, integrity, and compassion. The designer is questioning whether contributing to a game that rewards violent or unlawful acts aligns with virtues such as responsibility and ethical integrity. This aligns with virtue ethics' central questio n: What kind of person should I be? rather than What rules should I follow? or What consequences will my actions have? Relevant Ethical Reference in Technology: Virtue Ethics (Aristotle's Ethics) – This ethical theory asks whether designing a game that rewards violent behavior aligns with good moral character. Ethics of Representation in Media and Gaming – Studies have shown that media can influence realworld behaviors, raising ethical concerns about glorifying violence. Industry Standards (ESRB, PEGI) – While rating systems classify content, ethical concerns go beyond ratings to the moral responsibility of developers in shaping digital culture. Moral Identity in Design – Developers must consider whether creating certain game mechanics aligns with their personal and professional ethical identity. Thus, the designer's concerns reflect virtue ethics by focusing on their personal integrity and professional responsibility in game development.
Question 2
A factory manager must decide whether to replace assembly-line workers with robots but is concerned about employees losing their jobs. The factory manager also believes this automation would enhance worker safety, save the factory money, raise corporate profits, and lower the prices of goods produced. The factory manager weighs all possible outcomes and chooses the action that produces the greatest good. Which ethical theory does this approach represent?
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
The factory manager is applying consequentialism, an ethical theory that evaluates actions based on their outcomes or consequences. Why Consequentialism? The manager is weighing all possible outcomes and choosing the action that produces the greatest good—a fundamental characteristic of consequentialist ethics. This aligns with utilitarianism, a form of consequentialism, which suggests that an action is ethical if it maximizes overall benefits (e.g., higher profits, safety, lower costs). Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill developed utilitarianism, emphasizing that ethical decisions should be based on maximizing happiness or well-being. Why Not the Other Theories? A . Deontology: Focuses on moral duties and rules rather than consequences. A deontologist might argue that replacing workers with robots is wrong if it violates workers' rights, regardless of the positive outcomes. B . Relativism: Suggests that morality is subjective and varies by culture. The factory manager's decision is based on objective outcomes, not cultural or subjective ethical norms. C . Virtue Ethics: Focuses on the moral character of the decision-maker rather than the outcomes of actions. The manager is making a cost-benefit analysis, not prioritizing virtues like fairness or compassion. Thus, the correct ethical framework that describes the factory manager’s decision is D. Consequentialism because it is based on maximizing benefits while accepting potential negative consequences. Reference in Ethics in Technology: Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism. London: Parker, Son, and Bourn. Bentham, J. (1789). An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation. Oxford: Clarendon Press. Brey, P. (2000). "Disclosive Computer Ethics." ACM SIGCAS Computers and Society, 30(4), 10-16. IEEE Global Initiative on Ethics of Autonomous and Intelligent Systems (2019).
Question 3
A new IT employee has questions about how the organization determines resolutions to issues that impact its values and overarching principles. What should the employee refer to first for guidance?
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
A Code of Ethics is a formal document that outlines an organization’s values, principles, and expected ethical behaviors. It serves as the first point of reference for employees seeking guidance on ethical decision-making within a company. Why Code of Ethics? The Code of Ethics establishes the foundational principles that guide an organization's decisionmaking, ensuring consistency in ethical practices. It typically includes guidelines on conflicts of interest, integrity, fairness, and responsibility, helping employees resolve ethical dilemmas. The new IT employee can refer to this document to understand how the company resolves ethical issues and enforces its values. Why Not the Other Options? A . Corporate Responsibility Matrix: This tool may help outline social and environmental responsibilities but does not explicitly guide ethical decision-making. B . Ethical Decision-Making Processes: While important, this is a procedural framework rather than a reference document employees would check first. D . Board of Directors: The Board oversees corporate governance but is not a direct source for employee guidance on ethical matters. Thus, the best answer is C. Code of Ethics as it directly provides ethical standards employees should follow. Reference in Ethics in Technology: Moor, J. (1985). "What is Computer Ethics?" Metaphilosophy, 16(4), 266-275. Floridi, L. (2010). Information: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press. Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Code of Ethics (2022). IEEE Code of Ethics (2020).
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