Uniqueness Debate

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The uniqueness debate considers whether information and computer ethics constitutes an new branch of applied ethics or simply worsens already existing ethical problems. The term 'uniqueness' refers to the differentness of ethical problems encountered within the field of information technology from traditional ethics. Since the rise of computing, computer use has led to significant abuse and philosophers argue whether these abuses require a new field of ethics.

History

Uniqueness debate discussions began when Walter Maner Ph.D, proposed in his class at Bowling Green State University that computer ethics generates new and unique problems.

Arguments

Uniquely Malleable

It has been said that unique adaptability and versatility of computers justifies computer ethics as an new field of applied philosophy. Walter Maner, Peter Green, and Alan Brightman suggest that the adaptability of computers presents a new ethical duty to provide computing access to persons with disabilities. They claim that other machines 'are infinitely less adaptable than computers' and therefore, the moral institutions about adapting other machinery does not 'readily transfer to computers'.

Perspectives

Walter Maner

Since the second half of the 1970s, when Maner coined the term computer ethics, he has been a strongly supporting the uniqueness of computer ethics. "Computer Ethics is an academic field in its own right with unique ethical issues that would have not existed if computer technology had not been invented."

Tavani

“The powers of modern technology create for us a new moral condition by creating novel powers to act; novel powers to act, in turn, disclose new objects of ethical consideration; and, consequently, novel powers to act require ‘novel ethical rules and perhaps even a new ethics.’” [Tavani/Jonas 2002, p. 45]