Computer Ethics Example

Computer Ethics Example Computer Ethics – Article Example The article is â€Å" Is it Moral to make Software Copies for My Friends? â€Å" written by Bernard Gert. In this article, Gert uses the philosophy of Kantian Ethics to argue the immorality of making software copies for one’s friends. The author presented his points based on the idea that morality is not based on motives which is a good premise. If that is the case, then people can commit any crime by justifying that their motive was good. If one were to use Utilitarian Theory, making pirated software is practical for it benefits many people especially those who cannot afford to buy original software. Many groups have already denounced such law for it is unjust since Microsoft makes so much profit from software licenses but the issue is not profitability, it is ethics. Therefore, the author is assert that violating a morally accepted law ( such as copyright law) though it seems unjust, is not a reason to violate any law . If people start violating such law, then it would be a precedent and cause disorder.Another good argument is that one does not need to violate morally accepted laws just because it benefits people. Law is imposed so that there is discipline and order. In fact, even if the law explicitly bans or condemns illegally copying of software, many people still commit such acts. What more if there is no law at all? In addition to this, the illegal copying of software affects not only individuals but big companies as well. A business is usually established mainly for profitability ; thus, business would be affected if piracy is tolerated. In the same manner, a morally rational person would give credit to intellectual property of another person.Sources:Gert, Bernard. â€Å" Is it Moral to Make Copies of Software for My Friends?† ( Chapter 12) Computer Ethics and the Internet. p.530-532.