- Published: August 27, 2022
- Updated: August 27, 2022
- University / College: Essex, University of
- Level: Secondary School
- Language: English
- Downloads: 47
Cyber Ethics Homework Section Response to question 2 In his book, On Liberty, Mill explains “ tyranny of the majority” as a scenario whereby, decisions made are in accordance with the will of the people or those who succeeded in making themselves accepted as the majority. However, as per critics by Mill, the tyranny of the majority should be included among the evils against which the society requires to be on safe guard. This is because; when the society itself is the tyrant, there are no limits to the extent through which their tyrannizing can be restricted. Consequently, the society would end up executing its own mandates not minding whether they are wrong or right and as a result, oppress minority.
Response to question 4
In accordance with Alvin Goldman critics, the internet has greatly deteriorated the influence that the conventional media once had on the people by lack of truth in the messages being conveyed. As a result, this affects the epistemic prospects of the voting public. Alvin explains filtering as a process whereby, a third person is involved in the process of communication. In addition, he further explains that the person should have the power to select preferred messages that should be sent via certain channel of communication. According to Alvin, this is important as it is the most appropriate way of ensuring that the community can track the truth from politics thus enhancing democracy. Moreover, filtering has been applied in scientific journals and the common law in the process of determining the truth and by so doing; it should also be used in the practices of the social media so as to promote the truth.
Discussion Section
Response to question 3
From Richard Posner’s discussions, it is quite clear that the function of news is to inform people about social, political, cultural, ethical and economic issues. Therefore, journalists and their employers are under an ethical duty to report news accurately and soberly without being biased. However, Richard Posner has pointed various occasions whereby news has been sensationalized and as a result, raised unnecessary anxiety. He explains that this is as a result of increase in the number of television channels due to satellites and numerous online blogs and newspapers even though he concludes that it isn’t much to worry about. In my opinion, I do not think that he’s right as sensationalized news could cause very serious and tragic consequences. This is because could foster crisis especially in during an election and lead to disunity in the region thus destruction of property and consequently harming the economy.
Response to question 4
Moreover, I am completely in harmony with Mill’s “ Harm principle” which states that should have the privilege of doing anything that they want as long as it does not harm others. This is because, it is the most efficient way whereby, power can be rightfully exercised in a democratic government, consisting of the majority without harming the minority. In addition, this would enable people to embrace ethical behavior as harming others would be viewed as being inhuman thereby promoting peace in a particular country or state.
Reference
Mill, J. S., & Collini, S. (1995). On liberty. Cambridge: Univ. Press.