As part of our introduction to Aristotelian ethics in cybersecurity, let’s reflect on some of your past actions in your cybersecurity work. Try to identify instances where you leaned towards different ethical frameworks: rule-based (deontology), consequence-based (utilitarianism), or character-based (virtue ethics).
Here are some fictive examples to help guide your reflection:
1. Rule-based (Deontology)
Suppose you once discovered a vulnerability in your company’s software. Despite knowing you could exploit this for personal gain or even just for fun, you decided against it because it was against the company’s code of conduct. Your decision was based on a specific rule rather than the potential consequences or your personal character traits. This would be an example of deontological or rule-based decision-making.
2. Consequence-based (Utilitarianism)
Imagine you had to decide whether to shut down a company’s network to deal with a significant security threat. The shutdown would disrupt work and cause a considerable loss of productivity. However, if left unaddressed, the security threat could potentially lead to a more severe data breach. In this case, you decided to shut down the network. Your decision was based on the potential consequences—specifically, the greater overall good of preventing a data breach. This would be an example of utilitarian or consequence-based decision-making.
3. Character-based (Virtue Ethics)
Consider a situation where you had access to sensitive user information as part of your job. You had the power to snoop on this data, but you decided against it. Your decision was not necessarily dictated by a specific rule (deontology) or by analyzing potential consequences (utilitarianism). Instead, it was based on your personal virtue of respect for others’ privacy. This would be an example of Aristotelian or character-based decision-making.
Activity Template for Teachers
As a teacher, guide your students in reflecting on their past actions using the following questions:
- For Deontology: Can you recall a situation where you made a decision purely based on the rules or guidelines, regardless of the consequences or your personal virtues? What was the rule or principle that guided your decision?
- For Utilitarianism: Can you think of a time when you made a decision primarily based on its potential consequences, aiming for the greatest overall good? What were the potential outcomes you considered, and how did you weigh them against each other?
- For Virtue Ethics: Have there been instances where your personal character virtues guided your decision, independent of specific rules or potential consequences? What was the virtue involved, and how did it guide your decision?
Remember, the purpose of this exercise is to help students recognize the different ethical frameworks at play in their decision-making processes, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of Aristotelian ethics in cybersecurity.