Lesson 2: Ethics and Decision-Making in IT

Ethics is the study of moral principles—what is right and wrong. In IT, ethics deals with questions like "Is it right to use data-mining on users without their consent?" Ethics differs from law: something illegal (like stealing data) is also unethical, but not all unethical acts are illegal (e.g., minor plagiarism may not be prosecuted but is still unethical). Applied ethics in IT focuses on real-world dilemmas.

Filipino culture values "kapwa" (togetherness) and "utang na loob" (debt of gratitude), which inform ethical behavior too. IT ethics may ask: How do our actions affect our kapwa (fellow citizens)? For example, if you design a game that encourages gambling behaviors, is that socially responsible? Considering these cultural values helps make ethical decisions that respect Filipino society.

Several philosophical ethical theories help frame decisions:

• Utilitarianism (Consequentialism): Choose the action that brings the greatest good to the majority. In IT, this might mean deploying a feature that helps many users even if a few feel inconvenienced.
• Deontology (Duty-based ethics): Follow universal rules or duties (like "do not lie," or "respect privacy") regardless of outcomes. For instance, refuse to falsify records even if no one might notice.
• Virtue Ethics: Focus on one's character (honesty, courage, compassion). Ask, "What would a virtuous IT professional do?"

In practice, IT students should learn a mix: e.g., always protect data (duty), consider overall benefit (utilitarian), and be honest/compassionate in work (virtues). Memorize at least a couple of these terms and their key idea, because exams often reference them by name.