Ethics Flashcards
(24 cards)
What ethical issues arise from automation replacing human jobs?
Job loss, structural unemployment, inequality, and the moral responsibility to retrain displaced workers.
How can the ethical issue of job displacement be mitigated?
Governments and companies can provide retraining and education programs.
What ethical concern exists with over-reliance on computers in business?
High dependency can lead to major disruption if systems fail.
How does digital exclusion relate to ethics in employment?
Those without digital skills may face unfair disadvantages in a tech-driven job market.
What are ethical concerns with algorithmic decision-making in areas like recruitment or loans?
Lack of transparency, potential bias, unfair treatment, and inability to consider human context.
Why must automated systems be transparent and accountable?
To ensure decisions can be explained, challenged, and corrected if necessary.
What is the ethical problem with filter bubbles in social media?
They reinforce beliefs, reduce exposure to diverse views, and threaten informed decision-making.
How can automated decisions in self-driving cars raise ethical dilemmas?
They involve life-and-death decisions—e.g., choosing between harming the driver or a pedestrian.
What ethical questions does AI raise regarding responsibility?
If an AI causes harm, it’s unclear who is legally or morally responsible: developer, user, or company.
How can AI use in healthcare raise ethical concerns?
Decisions about diagnoses or treatments may lack empathy or nuance, risking harm to patients.
Why is the idea of AI sentience an ethical issue?
It raises questions about AI rights and the morality of using sentient systems as tools.
What privacy issue is linked to voice assistants like Alexa?
They are always listening, raising concerns about surveillance and consent.
What ethical concerns are associated with e-waste?
Harmful disposal practices in developing countries, toxic pollution, and unfair environmental burden.
Why is the ‘throwaway culture’ of tech considered unethical?
It promotes wastefulness, harms the environment, and ignores long-term consequences.
How can technology be used ethically to reduce environmental harm?
By using smart energy systems, energy-saving features, and promoting sustainable device lifecycles
What ethical tension exists between internet censorship and free speech?
Censorship can protect users or national security but may also suppress legitimate expression and political dissent.
How does censorship in authoritarian countries raise ethical issues?
It limits freedom, promotes propaganda, and silences opposition.
What are the ethical issues with workplace surveillance?
It may invade privacy, reduce trust, and create a hostile work environment.
Why is mass surveillance ethically controversial?
It can deter crime but also infringe on civil liberties and personal freedom.
What ethical issues are linked to data mining?
Unfair profiling, lack of consent, misuse of data, and discrimination (e.g., by insurers or employers).
Why must companies be transparent about data collection?
Users have a right to know what data is collected and how it is used, to protect their privacy.
How does GDPR address ethical concerns around data use?
It enforces transparency, data protection rights, and user control over personal information.
Why is digital piracy considered unethical?
It violates intellectual property rights and deprives creators of income.
What are the ethical concerns around online offensive communication?
It can cause real harm (cyberbullying, harassment) and undermines respectful online spaces.
