SI 621: Ethics, Values, and Information Dilemmas

The "information" revolution and the expanding use of information technology within all organizations, profit and non-profit, public and private, has created an environment in which access to massive quantities of information, at startling speeds, is now possible through electronic means. Within this environment, policy makers, managers, indeed all individual users of the technology must make decisions about how they want to use new technological capabilities and in some cases, even if they use technology in particular ways. The changing environment requires that all individuals clarify their values, understand ethical and unethical responses, and actively process information making informed decisions.

This discussion and lecture course provides in-depth study of the development of moral and ethical reasoning. It focuses on the ethical issues and value dilemmas that arise within then new information environment. It explores some of the information and technology-related incidents faced by individuals and institutions as they become familiar with, and adjust to, the impact of technology on work, recreation, and education.

Participants have an opportunity to do investigation and data gathering on specific issues relating to the handling of electronic information in various settings and the ethical issues involved. They analyze technology-related incidents. Incidents are discussed in relation to ethical, moral, impulse-related, and social cognitive human development, conflicting values, existing literature, and law. Discussion topics include, among others, copyright, security, freedom of speech, personal boundaries, ownership, anonymity, and civil liberties. Students examine, in-depth, the development and dynamics of impulsive behavior, lying, secrets, and access to pornography, looking specifically at ways in which information technology is bringing these processes into play. Participants learn methods of issue analysis and practice solving dilemmas by understanding the values and ethical issues surrounding the dilemmas.

1. Develop a theoretical framework for understanding and responding to ethical and values issues
2. Develop an individual point-of-view regarding various issues arising in the area of information technology use in personal life and organizations
3. Identify and practice a methodology for analyzing and understanding the ethical and values issues embedded within information and organizational dilemmas
4. Provide experience in problem solving where ethical and values issues are in conflict