Information Ethics And Digital Rights

Module description

This module will provide students with the opportunity to explore ethical, legal and rights issues raised by digital information and technologies, from both a theoretical and practical point of view, and taking an international perspective. It will examine the ways in which information technologies have impacted on the ethical concerns and values of individuals and society, creating new issues and radically transforming existing ones, focusing on the creation, organisation and use of information. The module will also look at how ethics and ethical practices have influenced the development of information technologies, and the history of moral argumentation about computing. It will also examine the limitations of an ethical critique of information technologies, and how existing practices respond to this critique. While early developments in the field arose largely from a professional and technical background, this module will provide a theoretical framework for discussing these issues, and for critically appraising the contemporary debates around them, as well as addressing a number of specific issues as case studies.

Assessment details

Coursework - 4000 word essay (100%)

Educational aims & objectives

This module will provide students with the opportunity to explore ethical, legal and rights issues raised by digital information and technologies, from both a theoretical and practical point of view, and taking an international perspective. It will examine the ways in which information technologies have impacted on the ethical concerns and values of individuals and society, creating new issues and radically transforming existing ones, focusing on the creation, organisation and use of information. The module will also look at how ethics and ethical practices have influenced the development of information technologies, and the history of moral argumentation about computing. It will also examine the limitations of an ethical critique of information technologies, and how existing practices respond to this critique. While early developments in the field arose largely from a professional and technical background, this module will provide a theoretical framework for discussing these issues, and for critically appraising the contemporary debates around them, as well as addressing a number of specific issues as case studies.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable and practical skills appropriate to a Level 7 module and in particular will be able to demonstrate:

a. an advanced and systematic understanding of the main theoretical, social and practical issues related to information ethics and digital rights, and a strong command of the literature in this area.
b. the capability to assess critically the main scholarly interpretations of the issues raised by ethics and rights in the digital sphere.
c. the ability to formulate their own questions and arguments about these issues.

See the appendix for a sample weekly schedule.

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.