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Title:
Internet Ethics
Review:
Internet Ethics critically examines some hot debates on the internet.
Debates about security, privacy, law, copyright, crimes specific to
the Internet, information integrity, democracy and politics, rights
and responsibilities. Many using the Internet seem to be concerned
enough about ethical matters to voice their concerns in online
discussions and publications, as well as in more established media.
This book adds a framework on which such debates can be more
rigorously pursued.
The book considers a number of theories that have been brought to bear
on these debates about ethical concerns in the past. Some are
rejected, some are modified. While few definite answers are given,
questions are put forward and suggestions are made about how they
might best be answered.
Some readers will approach the book with more knowledge of the
Internet than of ethics. Others will know more about ethics. So the
first chapter sets out the history of the online world and explains
its technicalities in clear English. And as the language and concepts
of ethics could be unfamiliar to some, each contributor is careful to
explain the terms they use.
Early on, the question of what is really new or unique about the
Internet is asked. Can the Internet's purported good qualities be
shown to be universally good. Are they even universally considered to
be good. Free trade, to take an example, is sometimes assumed to be
something the Internet facilitates. But is it really a good thing,
and more specifically, does the Internet really facilitate it?
Arguments about privacy could prove futile if those taking part would
all characterise privacy in incompatible ways. The same can be said
for security, freedom of expression, responsibility, etc. Several
characterisations of each concept are examined and suggestions are
made about how proponents of conflicting views can avoid simply
talking at cross purposes.
We sometimes hear of the Internet being hailed as inherently
democratic. We also hear claims that it can facilitate and enhance
democracy. On inspection it is found that it could just as easily be
used in circumstances completely inimical to democracy and that it is
not itself democratic. The political ramifications of the Internet
are complex and should not be confused with personal or national
political aspirations.
This book challenges both the half baked theories of Internet trollers
and dilettantes, and the more considered views of professional
thinkers. It hones the conceptual tools required for the formation of
theories and the evaluation of arguments. Each chapter is followed by
comments from authors of other chapters, often adding a differing
cultural perspective, and the book is greatly enhanced by the
carefully written concluding chapter, which summarises the whole book
and looks at the future of the subject of Internet ethics.
Free Pint Reviewer:
Simon Collery has been involved in editorial and research work for
the electronic media for a number of years, working for AND Data
Solutions, Oxford, and the Oxford English Dictionary Project. One of
his primary interests is the use of the Internet as a serious
research tool and a source of free, reliable information and software.
He enjoys pursuing this interest, and others, working full-time on
content development as a member of the Free Pint team.
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