2026 Keys concept and tips for D773 Technology and Ethics: Emerging
Trends and Society Western Governors University
Technology and Ethics: Emerging
Trends and Society
D773
Section 1 - Ethical Frameworks ............................................................................................................ 1
Lesson 1 - Introduction to Ethics and Technology .......................................................................... 1
Lesson 1.1 - Intro to Ethics and Technology ............................................................................. 1
Lesson 1.2 - Ethical Frameworks ................................................................................................ 5
Lesson 1.3 - Duties and Intentions............................................................................................ 10
Lesson 1.4 - Virtue Ethics........................................................................................................... 14
Lesson 1.5- Self-Interest, Rights, and Relational Ethics ........................................................ 16
Lesson 2 - Ethical Concepts in Practice ......................................................................................... 20
Lesson 2.1: Ethical Concepts in Practice ................................................................................. 20
Lesson 2.2 - Social Media Ethics .............................................................................................. 22
Lesson 3: Technical Ethical Dilemma .............................................................................................. 23
Lesson 3.1 - Case Studies ......................................................................................................... 23
Section 2: Technology, Ethics, and Society .................................................................................... 25
,Lesson 1 - Modern Technical Ethical Dilemmas ............................................................................ 25
Lesson 1.1: Conceptual Disruption ........................................................................................... 25
, Section 1 - Ethical Frameworks
Lesson 1 - Introduction to Ethics and Technology
Lesson 1.1 - Intro to Ethics and Technology
❖ Intro to Ethics, Moral Response, Reason, Argument, Debate
➢ Ethics is used to determine how to act in different situations through reason,
discussion, and debate.
■ Difference between “ethics” and “Morality”
● Morality is the set of beliefs or principles that determine what is
right or wrong in a particular value system.
◆ Different cultures, religions, and societies may have
varying moral codes, which means what is seen as 'right'
or 'wrong' can differ depending on the value system in
question
● Ethics involves critically examining moral beliefs, engaging in
reasoned discussion, and determining how we should act based
on ethical principles, rather than simply following established
moral codes.
◆ two main areas: descriptive ethics (right or wrong) and
normative ethics (guides what people do)
❖ Dialogic Reasoning and Moral Disagreement
➢ What is dialogic reasoning?
■ a method of exchanging ideas through dialogue
■ involves engaging with different perspectives and finding common
ground, even when moral disagreement exists
● Such disagreements highlight the need for philosophical
argumentation, distinct from other argument types.
◆ Philosophical arguments rely on logical reasoning and
critical analysis to explore and justify moral claims rather
than appealing to emotions or authority.
, ❖ Emotions and Moral Judgments
➢ What happens in moral judgements?
■ Emotions influence how we perceive and react to ethical dilemmas
● Positive emotions reinforce our sense of moral satisfaction when
we act ethically.
● Negative emotions alert us to moral transgressions.
■ Emotions alone may not always lead to morally sound decisions upon
reflection.
● Can bias our perceptions and lead us astray, prompting us to
defend unethical behavior or act impulsively in anger.
■ Relying solely on emotional reactions may overlook critical ethical
considerations.
❖ Normative Ethics and Societal Norms
➢ Considering how others perceive our actions or how they align with societal standards
can provide additional insights into ethical dilemmas
■ These perspectives alone may not suffice for making sound moral
judgments
● This highlights the importance of normative ethics, which involves
philosophical analysis and argumentation to critically assess moral
issues from multiple perspectives.
❖ Reflective Process and Rational Deliberation
➢ Engaging with diverse viewpoints and examining ethical theories helps better
understand and justify our ethical decisions
■ Helps when in amidst disagreements about facts, moral concepts, or the
relevance of different ethical theories
➢ Reflective process is essential for responsible moral agency and accountability in our
actions as it is grounded in rational deliberation and openness to criticism.
➢ This equips you with the tools to navigate ethical challenges in the digital age,
emphasizing the importance of reasoned debate, dialogic reasoning, and the critical
assessment of moral issues.
Trends and Society Western Governors University
Technology and Ethics: Emerging
Trends and Society
D773
Section 1 - Ethical Frameworks ............................................................................................................ 1
Lesson 1 - Introduction to Ethics and Technology .......................................................................... 1
Lesson 1.1 - Intro to Ethics and Technology ............................................................................. 1
Lesson 1.2 - Ethical Frameworks ................................................................................................ 5
Lesson 1.3 - Duties and Intentions............................................................................................ 10
Lesson 1.4 - Virtue Ethics........................................................................................................... 14
Lesson 1.5- Self-Interest, Rights, and Relational Ethics ........................................................ 16
Lesson 2 - Ethical Concepts in Practice ......................................................................................... 20
Lesson 2.1: Ethical Concepts in Practice ................................................................................. 20
Lesson 2.2 - Social Media Ethics .............................................................................................. 22
Lesson 3: Technical Ethical Dilemma .............................................................................................. 23
Lesson 3.1 - Case Studies ......................................................................................................... 23
Section 2: Technology, Ethics, and Society .................................................................................... 25
,Lesson 1 - Modern Technical Ethical Dilemmas ............................................................................ 25
Lesson 1.1: Conceptual Disruption ........................................................................................... 25
, Section 1 - Ethical Frameworks
Lesson 1 - Introduction to Ethics and Technology
Lesson 1.1 - Intro to Ethics and Technology
❖ Intro to Ethics, Moral Response, Reason, Argument, Debate
➢ Ethics is used to determine how to act in different situations through reason,
discussion, and debate.
■ Difference between “ethics” and “Morality”
● Morality is the set of beliefs or principles that determine what is
right or wrong in a particular value system.
◆ Different cultures, religions, and societies may have
varying moral codes, which means what is seen as 'right'
or 'wrong' can differ depending on the value system in
question
● Ethics involves critically examining moral beliefs, engaging in
reasoned discussion, and determining how we should act based
on ethical principles, rather than simply following established
moral codes.
◆ two main areas: descriptive ethics (right or wrong) and
normative ethics (guides what people do)
❖ Dialogic Reasoning and Moral Disagreement
➢ What is dialogic reasoning?
■ a method of exchanging ideas through dialogue
■ involves engaging with different perspectives and finding common
ground, even when moral disagreement exists
● Such disagreements highlight the need for philosophical
argumentation, distinct from other argument types.
◆ Philosophical arguments rely on logical reasoning and
critical analysis to explore and justify moral claims rather
than appealing to emotions or authority.
, ❖ Emotions and Moral Judgments
➢ What happens in moral judgements?
■ Emotions influence how we perceive and react to ethical dilemmas
● Positive emotions reinforce our sense of moral satisfaction when
we act ethically.
● Negative emotions alert us to moral transgressions.
■ Emotions alone may not always lead to morally sound decisions upon
reflection.
● Can bias our perceptions and lead us astray, prompting us to
defend unethical behavior or act impulsively in anger.
■ Relying solely on emotional reactions may overlook critical ethical
considerations.
❖ Normative Ethics and Societal Norms
➢ Considering how others perceive our actions or how they align with societal standards
can provide additional insights into ethical dilemmas
■ These perspectives alone may not suffice for making sound moral
judgments
● This highlights the importance of normative ethics, which involves
philosophical analysis and argumentation to critically assess moral
issues from multiple perspectives.
❖ Reflective Process and Rational Deliberation
➢ Engaging with diverse viewpoints and examining ethical theories helps better
understand and justify our ethical decisions
■ Helps when in amidst disagreements about facts, moral concepts, or the
relevance of different ethical theories
➢ Reflective process is essential for responsible moral agency and accountability in our
actions as it is grounded in rational deliberation and openness to criticism.
➢ This equips you with the tools to navigate ethical challenges in the digital age,
emphasizing the importance of reasoned debate, dialogic reasoning, and the critical
assessment of moral issues.
