This course examines ethical issues relevant to computing and information technology, including: privacy; freedom of speech and content control on the Internet; individual and social responsibility; cybersecurity; cybercrimes; social impact of computers and other digital technologies; and ethical obligations of IT professionals. Students will gain a broad understanding of central issues in cyberethics and the ways that fundamental ethical theories relate to these core issues
REFLECTIVE ASSIGNMENT
Bryant Watkins
4/30/23
Reflective Writing Assignment
PHIL 355E
Taking PHIL 355E has proven to be an incredibly eye-opening learning experience. As I reflect upon my time in this course there are three topics or perspectives, I engaged with that will certainly remain with me for the near future – Module one’s privacy, Module six’s Cyberconflict, and Module seven’s Information Warfare. All three of these topics helped contribute to the changing and deepening of my thoughts on topics such as these. I have concluded this course with multiple key takeaways paramount to my growth as a person as well as growth as an aspiring professional in my desired career field of Cybersecurity.
Module one provided me with great insight as well as a nuanced look at the true meaning of privacy. A key concept central to my deepened understanding of privacy was Floridi’s concept of Informational Identity. Prior to learning of Informational Identity, I was of the belief that one’s identity was simply tied to their physical appearance – Floridi’s concept completely challenges that. Identity can be someone’s cellular data, stories of personal nature, certain documents, etc. After analyzing the actions of Google through the perspective of Informational Identity, I was able to reach the conclusion that identity is far more than merely physical appearance – and that Informational Identity must be heavily weighted in any conversation on safeguarding the privacy interests of users. From this module I takeaway that privacy is an extremely sensitive issue with anything related to Information Technology and one that will certainly provide challenges for me during my future career in Cybersecurity.
Module six’s topic of Cyberconflict is one that certainly will prove central to a career in Cybersecurity. Not only will it maintain a large presence in my desired career path – but it also will leave an indelible mark on my philosophic views of conflict. I have long held the view that achieving a morally righteous goal is most important in any instance of life, but module six has altered my thinking on that. Specifically, assessing the actions of Israel and Iran through the ethical tool of Consequentialism. Consequentialism helped to guide my understanding of what can be collateral damage in many instances of ethically moral actions with good intentions behind them in conflict. My takeaway from Consequentialism’s place in module six is that conflict between any parties must always weigh potential consequences of the actions – even if they are rooted in ethically moral intentions. Prior to module six and Consequentialism I would not have considered the consequences of morally just actions, but now and for the near future I will always question whether the potential consequences of an action in conflict is worth the achievement of an ethically moral goal or not.
Module seven’s Information Warfare proved for me to be of immense importance given the current and future landscape of society and politics. Utilizing Prier’s concept of the weaponization of social media has helped to deepen my thoughts and understandings of the current global political landscape and societal challenges to be faced. Given my current minor in Political Science it is paramount that I have a deep understanding of some of the major factors and forces driving politics today. The weaponization of social media is a tactic used by political actors, both domestic and foreign, to intentionally spread disinformation and gain an informational advantage over political opposition. Not only is Prier’s concept central to my nuanced comprehension of politics, but it is also central to my nuanced comprehension of societal challenges faced by all. My takeaway from module seven and the concept of the weaponization of social media is that the landscapes of politics and society must be navigated with extreme caution due to the dangerous capabilities of widely used social media platforms.
Taking this course was an incredibly insightful experience for me. I have truly gained deepened and nuanced thoughts and understandings of key topic or concepts that will prove critical to my growth in life. While all the modules greatly contributed to my newly acquired knowledge and understandings – modules one, six, and seven have done the most to leave an indelible mark on my life and future career. All three modules provided me with much needed takeaways that will forever influence my thoughts and decisions before me as I work to navigate the field of Cybersecurity.