Section 1: Explanation of the Golden Mean: Balance Between Deficiency and Excess
Aristotle believed that moral virtues lie between two extremes – a vice of deficiency and a vice of excess. He referred to this moderate position as the ‘Golden Mean.’ For instance, the virtue of courage lies between recklessness (excess) and cowardice (deficiency). The Golden Mean isn’t a rigid middle point but varies according to the individual and situation.
Section 2: Application of the Golden Mean in Cybersecurity
The Golden Mean can be a helpful guide in the cybersecurity field, helping professionals navigate complex ethical dilemmas. Here are some examples:
- Reporting vulnerabilities: On one extreme, a cybersecurity professional might immediately report a discovered vulnerability to the public, potentially causing panic or inviting exploitation. On the other extreme, they might not report the vulnerability at all, leaving systems at risk. The Golden Mean might involve privately reporting the vulnerability to the affected organization, allowing them to fix the issue before a public disclosure.
- Balancing privacy and security: If a security professional errs on the side of excessive privacy protection, it might hinder the detection of potential threats, compromising security. Conversely, excessive security measures might invade personal privacy. The Golden Mean involves finding a balance where effective security measures respect individuals’ privacy rights.
- Usage of hacking skills: On one extreme, a cybersecurity professional might misuse their skills for personal gain or malicious intent. On the other extreme, they might abstain from using their skills, even when it could help identify vulnerabilities and strengthen systems. The Golden Mean would involve using hacking skills ethically and responsibly to improve security and protect users.
Section 3: Developing Ethical Judgment: Phronesis (Practical Wisdom)
Applying the Golden Mean effectively requires sound ethical judgment, what Aristotle referred to as ‘phronesis’ or practical wisdom. Phronesis is not innate but is developed through experience, reflection, and a deep understanding of one’s professional and ethical responsibilities.
As cybersecurity professionals, developing phronesis involves continuous learning, ethical reflection, engagement with colleagues and the broader community, and the application of ethical principles in daily work.
Key Takeaways
- Aristotle’s Golden Mean suggests that moral virtues lie between two extremes – a vice of deficiency and a vice of excess.
- In cybersecurity, the Golden Mean can guide professionals in navigating ethical dilemmas, such as reporting vulnerabilities, balancing privacy and security, and using hacking skills responsibly.
- Applying the Golden Mean effectively requires the cultivation of ‘phronesis,’ or practical wisdom, a crucial aspect of ethical decision-making in cybersecurity.
Activity
Reflect on an ethical dilemma you have faced in your cybersecurity work. How could the concept of the Golden Mean have guided you in that situation? If you haven’t faced such a dilemma, consider one of the examples discussed in this chapter and think about how the Golden Mean could apply.
Some scaffolding to help you out: Chapter 5: Activity: Reflection on Ethical Dilemmas and the Golden Mean
Recommended Reading
“Nicomachean Ethics” by Aristotle – Book II discusses the Golden Mean, and Book VI explores the concept of ‘phronesis’ in detail.