Sociology: Ethics and Professional Practice
Write minimum 700 words for each of the short-essay questions. All questions are of equal value (25 marks each). You should provide credible references for each question according to the Faculty guidelines. Although there is no rigid maximum word limit, around 900 words maximum, per question will be appropriate.
Question 1
The following HuffPost article discusses how gadgets such as smartphones legally collect enormous amount of personal data.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/iphone-legal-facts_n_6787876?section=australia
Identify the key ethical issue associated with such data collection. Conduct additional research about it and write a short report presenting an analysis of this ethical issue, using the philosophical ethics perspective.
Question 2
“… codes inspire members of the profession by ‘identifying values and ideals’ to which members can aspire.” (Tavani, 2016)
Study the Australian Computer Society Code of Ethics and the associated Code of Professional Conduct. Discuss how the ACS Code of Ethics may or may not achieve the above purpose.
Question 3
“During the past two centuries, consequence-based and duty-based ethical theories have tended to receive the most attention from philosophers and ethicists. However, other kinds of ethical theories, such as those that emphasize criteria involving social contracts and individual rights, have recently begun to receive some serious attention as well.” (Tavani, 2016)
Do you think, the Contract-based ethical theory serves any real purpose in the context of solving an ethical dilemma? Discuss using suitable examples.
RATIONALE
This assessment task will assess the following learning outcome/s:
- be able to discuss various philosophical theories of ethics and how these relate to the ethical and legal issues raised by current practices involving ICT.
- be able to apply ethical theories and concepts to analyse ICT related ethical dilemmas.
- be able to discuss professionalism and professional responsibility in the context of the ICT profession.
- be able to critically analyse and apply the various concepts of professional ethics.