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Ethics in technology- D333 Notes
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1. Normative Statement
A normative statement expresses a judgment about what ought to be. It reflects values,
opinions, or ethical beliefs, and cannot be proven true or false purely through facts.
Example: "Companies should prioritize data privacy over profit."
2. Descriptive Statement
A descriptive statement (also known as a positive statement) presents a claim about what
is, based on observable facts or evidence. It is objective and can be tested or verified.
Example: "Most companies collect user data for targeted advertising."
3. Ethical Framework
An ethical framework is a structured set of principles or theories used to analyze moral
questions and guide decision-making. It helps individuals or organizations determine what is
right or wrong in a consistent, logical way.
Common frameworks include:
Utilitarianism (maximize overall good)
Deontology (follow rules/duties)
Virtue ethics (act in accordance with moral character)
Rights-based ethics (respect individual rights)
Here are examples of normative statements, descriptive statements, and ethical
frameworks in technology or cybersecurity contexts:
B 1. Normative Statement (Cybersecurity Example)
"Software developers ought to make security a top priority in every application they
design."
This is a value judgment about how developers should behave.
It reflects ethical priorities like safety and responsibility.
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2. Descriptive Statement (Cybersecurity Example)
"A 2024 report found that 73% of data breaches involved human error or social
engineering."
This is a factual claim based on observed data.
It can be verified or disproven through research.
⚖ 3. Ethical Frameworks (in Tech/Cybersecurity)
a. Utilitarianism
"Should we use AI to monitor employee activity?"
A utilitarian would ask: "Does this maximize overall benefit (e.g., productivity, safety), even if
it reduces some privacy?"
b. Deontology (Duty-Based Ethics)
"Should we encrypt all user data even if it's costly?"
A deontologist would say: "Yes, because we have a duty to protect users' rights, regardless
of cost."
c. Virtue Ethics
"What kind of cybersecurity professional should I be?"
A virtue ethicist would aim to develop traits like honesty, diligence, and responsibility in their
daily work.
d. Rights-Based Ethics
"Should a company sell customer data to third parties?"
A rights-based ethicist would argue: "No, because users have a right to privacy and control
over their personal data."
✅ Ethical Framework Comparison Chart
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Framework Core Principle Key Question Tech Example
Utilitarianism Maximize What action leads to the Using automated
overall best overall outcome? monitoring if it prevents
happiness or breaches, even if it invades
good privacy.
Deontology Follow moral What is the right thing to Encrypting all data because
rules or duties do, regardless of it’s the company’s duty, no
consequences? matter the cost.
Virtue Ethics Cultivate good What would a good A cybersecurity analyst
moral character person do in this choosing honesty over
situation? hiding a mistake.
Rights- Respect and Does this action violate Refusing to share user data
Based protect anyone’s rights? with advertisers without
individual rights consent.
( Practice Questions
1. Scenario:
A company plans to monitor employee computer activity using AI.
Which framework would ask: "Will this lead to better productivity and fewer insider
threats?"
Answer: Utilitarianism
2. Scenario:
A developer wants to skip adding two-factor authentication to save time.
Which framework would insist: "You have a duty to protect users, even if it takes longer."
Answer: Deontology
3. Scenario:
A student hacker finds a vulnerability in a school system. Instead of exploiting it, they report it.
Which framework supports this based on moral character?
Answer: Virtue Ethics
4. Scenario:
An app sells user data without asking for consent.
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Ethics in technology- D333 Notes
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Ethics in technology Comprehensive Study quick notes
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Ethics in technology Comprehensive Study quick notes
1. Normative Statement
A normative statement expresses a judgment about what ought to be. It reflects values,
opinions, or ethical beliefs, and cannot be proven true or false purely through facts.
Example: "Companies should prioritize data privacy over profit."
2. Descriptive Statement
A descriptive statement (also known as a positive statement) presents a claim about what
is, based on observable facts or evidence. It is objective and can be tested or verified.
Example: "Most companies collect user data for targeted advertising."
3. Ethical Framework
An ethical framework is a structured set of principles or theories used to analyze moral
questions and guide decision-making. It helps individuals or organizations determine what is
right or wrong in a consistent, logical way.
Common frameworks include:
Utilitarianism (maximize overall good)
Deontology (follow rules/duties)
Virtue ethics (act in accordance with moral character)
Rights-based ethics (respect individual rights)
Here are examples of normative statements, descriptive statements, and ethical
frameworks in technology or cybersecurity contexts:
B 1. Normative Statement (Cybersecurity Example)
"Software developers ought to make security a top priority in every application they
design."
This is a value judgment about how developers should behave.
It reflects ethical priorities like safety and responsibility.
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2. Descriptive Statement (Cybersecurity Example)
"A 2024 report found that 73% of data breaches involved human error or social
engineering."
This is a factual claim based on observed data.
It can be verified or disproven through research.
⚖ 3. Ethical Frameworks (in Tech/Cybersecurity)
a. Utilitarianism
"Should we use AI to monitor employee activity?"
A utilitarian would ask: "Does this maximize overall benefit (e.g., productivity, safety), even if
it reduces some privacy?"
b. Deontology (Duty-Based Ethics)
"Should we encrypt all user data even if it's costly?"
A deontologist would say: "Yes, because we have a duty to protect users' rights, regardless
of cost."
c. Virtue Ethics
"What kind of cybersecurity professional should I be?"
A virtue ethicist would aim to develop traits like honesty, diligence, and responsibility in their
daily work.
d. Rights-Based Ethics
"Should a company sell customer data to third parties?"
A rights-based ethicist would argue: "No, because users have a right to privacy and control
over their personal data."
✅ Ethical Framework Comparison Chart
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Framework Core Principle Key Question Tech Example
Utilitarianism Maximize What action leads to the Using automated
overall best overall outcome? monitoring if it prevents
happiness or breaches, even if it invades
good privacy.
Deontology Follow moral What is the right thing to Encrypting all data because
rules or duties do, regardless of it’s the company’s duty, no
consequences? matter the cost.
Virtue Ethics Cultivate good What would a good A cybersecurity analyst
moral character person do in this choosing honesty over
situation? hiding a mistake.
Rights- Respect and Does this action violate Refusing to share user data
Based protect anyone’s rights? with advertisers without
individual rights consent.
( Practice Questions
1. Scenario:
A company plans to monitor employee computer activity using AI.
Which framework would ask: "Will this lead to better productivity and fewer insider
threats?"
Answer: Utilitarianism
2. Scenario:
A developer wants to skip adding two-factor authentication to save time.
Which framework would insist: "You have a duty to protect users, even if it takes longer."
Answer: Deontology
3. Scenario:
A student hacker finds a vulnerability in a school system. Instead of exploiting it, they report it.
Which framework supports this based on moral character?
Answer: Virtue Ethics
4. Scenario:
An app sells user data without asking for consent.
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