In this module you will study a real world ethical problem, the Biomatrix case, and employ frameworks based on the software development cycle to (1) specify ethical and social problems, (2) generate solutions that integrate ethical value, (3) test these solutions, and (4) implement them over situation-based constraints.
This module will provide you with an opportunity to practice integrating ethical considerations into real world decision-making and problem-solving in business and computing. This whole approach is based on an analogy between ethics and design (Whitbeck).
Large real world cases like Biomatrix pivot around crucial decision points. You will take on the role of one of the participants and problem-solve in teams from three such points. Problem-solving in the real world requires perseverance, moral creativity, moral imagination, and reasonableness. These skills are developed through practice. Designing and implementing solutions requires identifying conflicting values and interests, balancing them in creative and dynamic solutions, overcoming technical limits, and responding creatively to real world constraints.
Each decision point requires that you take up the position of a participant and work with the frameworks from this standpoint. You may be tempted to back out and adopt an evaluative posture from which to judge the participants. Resist this temptation. This module is specifically designed to give you practice in making real world decisions. These skills emerge when you role-play from a standpoint within the case. You will learn that decision-making requires understanding your situation and taking responsibility for it.
Cases such as Biomatrix are challenging because of the large amount of information gathering and sorting they require. Moral imagination responds to this challenge by providing different framings that help to filter out irrelevant data and structure what remains. Framing plays a central role in problem specification. For example, Biomatrix could be framed as the need to develop quick and decisive responses to cyber-smear. Or it could be framed legally as employing legal tools (John Doe suits to pierce anonymity) that set a dangerous precedent against free speech. Yet again, it could be framed as a cautionary tale on the dangers of thinking that you are anonymous when you speak online. What is important at this stage is that you and your group experiment with multiple framings of the case. This will open up new horizons of solution possibilities not available under just one framing.
Tackling large cases in small teams also helps develop the communication and collaboration skills that are required for group work. Take time to develop strategies for dividing the work load among your team members. The trick is to distribute equally but, at the same time, to assign tasks according the different abilities of your team members. Some individuals are better at research while others excel in interviewing or writing. Also, make sure to set aside time when you finish for integrating your work with that of your teammates. Start by quickly reviewing the information available on the case. This is called "scoping the case." Then formulate specific questions to focus further research on information relevant to your problem solving efforts. This includes information pertinent to constructing a socio-technical analysis, identifying key "embedded" ethical issues, and uncovering existing best and worst practices.
A case narrative, STS (socio-technical system) description, and two ethical reflections have been published at http://computingcases.org. This module also links to websites on free speech and privacy law, advice to corporate officials on how to respond to cyber-smear, and information useful in understanding the products manufactured by Biomatrix.
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