A Metaethical Analysis of Computer Ethics

Computer Ethics Institute, April 29, 1993

Robert M. Barger , Professor of Education, Eastern Illinois University


This is a philosophical paper that argues for a type of moral relativism. “Perhaps the reason that there exist a number of different metaphysics is that each person must ultimately make a personal explanation of the meaning of reality …. and there are a number of possible meanings. Once a person adopts a metaphysical world view, that world view will necessarily govern her or his decisions about ethical matters. To put this another way, a person’s view of reality will condition that person’s view on value questions.” Barger goes on to explain three divergent positions in computer ethics with the use of his moral relativist theory.


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