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People have been
studying ethics and morality since the age of the Greeks. It all
has to do with the idea of what is 'Right' and what is 'Wrong' -- the
basic principles of conduct for a rational (thinking) being.
These questions are not as simple as one might think. What one
person thinks is 'Right' may not be someone else's idea of what is
'Right'. . . usually, the questions which are considered 'Ethical' are
those that are very hard to answer.
Consider, for example, the question of abortion. Basically, the core of the debate about abortions has to do with whether or not a fetus is 'alive'. So, it is an issue of 'Right to Life' -- something we all have. Of course, this idea of "Right to Life" is not an easy one either... there are many arguments about such things as capital punishment (putting people to death for horrible crimes like murder) and euthanasia (helping someone to die if they are terminally ill, in a coma, cannot exist on their own, etc.). People offer very convincing arguments on both sides of ideas and concepts like capital punishment and euthanasia. . . reaching a decision about either of these, or about abortion, about whether or not you should return the pencil you 'borrowed' from your friend the other day, about whether or not you should download 'free' music from the internet, or about any decision concerning what is 'Right' and what is 'Wrong' involves a debate about Ethics. Your WebQuest will involve you and your group in a discussion concerning the Ethics of Robotics. Therefore, it is important for you to know a little about Ethics before you begin. Examine these definitions of "Ethics" available online:
View these sites to learn more about Ethics. They will provide some valuable background for your WebQuest: The work of Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) in the realm of Ethics is very important historically. His theory of the Categorical Imperative, which basically suggests that something that is Right is Right for everyone is well known in Philosophical studies. View a brief overview of his theory HERE
Ethical considerations go beyond human beings... many people argue for the 'Rights' of non-human creatures. Read THIS ARTICLE, Developed by Manuel Velasquez, Claire Andre, Thomas Shanks, S.J., and Michael J. Meyer to learn a little about Animal Rights.
Ethics are important for computers and technology as well. Nanotechnology is the development of miniature robots which can do a lot of very intricate and difficult work... many advancements have been made in recent years with these 'things' (creatures?). This Site is intended to pique your interest and serve as an entry point for the WebQuest.
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