---
title: "12-ethics-and-computing"
aliases: 
tags: 
- cosc203
- lecture
---

# what is ethics
![example definitions|400](https://i.imgur.com/5A6nmkB.png)

- concerned with the fundamental issues of practical decision making. what actions should we take or not take?

requirements for an ethical system
- must be usable and practical
- need to be able to learn it, and use it

need to maintain respect for others views

## normative ethics
- the study of ethical behaviour
- investigates questions regarding how someone should act

three approaches
- deontology (duty or rule based)
- utilitarianism (consequentialism)
- virtue ethics (character based)

## deontology
- categorical imperitive - instrinsically valid principles that are good in and of themselves
	- must be obeyed always
	- e.g., dont murder people
- immanuel kant
- fundamental assumption that each person has intrinsic worth and deserves basic respect
- may be disagreements about principles involved - e.g., inherent universal ethics, religious laws, or cultural values

## utilitarianism
- maximise happiness and wellbeing for people
- john stuart mill
- practical approach, does not consider the rights of those who disagree