How to Do Computer Ethics - A Case Study: The Electronic Mall Bodensee

Abstract

In this article the authors present a model of ethical analysis and decision making for the field of computer ethics--a model that actually works for all areas of applied ethics. It is argued that a rich and complex fabric of ?policies for conduct?--a ?received policy cluster (RPC)--is used by computer ethics decision makers in a dynamic process similar to Rawls?s ?wide reflective equilibrium? (WRE). This ?policy-cluster model? makes use of Moor?s classic definition of the field of computer ethics and van den Hoven?s suggested use of Rawlsian WRE.