Charles Sturt University: Technology and Dating Ethical Theories

This essay, submitted by a student, examines the ethical implications of technology in the context of dating. It explores the application of various ethical theories, including utilitarianism, deontology, virtue theory, and contract theory, to evaluate the morality of online dating and technology's influence on relationships. The essay delves into the advantages and disadvantages of using technology in dating, considering the potential for both positive and negative outcomes. It discusses the importance of physical interaction and the limitations of relying solely on online platforms for forming relationships. The analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical considerations involved, offering insights into the complexities of modern dating practices and the role of technology in shaping them. The essay concludes with a recommendation for balancing technology use with real-world interactions to foster genuine connections.

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SCHOOL OF COMPUTING AND MATHS, CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY
Technology and Dating
Assignment 3: Applying Ethical Theory
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Word count
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents........................................................................................................................................2
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................3
Utilitarianism Theory..................................................................................................................................3
Deontology Theory......................................................................................................................................3
Virtue Theory..............................................................................................................................................4
Contract Theory...........................................................................................................................................5
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................................5
Recommendation.........................................................................................................................................5
References...................................................................................................................................................6
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Introduction
Embracing of technology has brought about new ways of how people interact, converse and
connect in a community set up and dating is not exempted. The predominance of smart phones
allude that we are always in contact and social media has made it possible to know a lot of
people even before they met. Dating sites and applications give people a lot of choices to choose
a potential partner. But we do ask ourselves if switching to this new way of socializing right or
wrong, moral or immoral. Such question will be answered by theories outlined below.
Utilitarianism Theory
This theory focuses on standardization of the outcomes of selecting an action over others to be
either wrong or right. It extends beyond the confinement of personal interests and considers the
interests of others. (Stichler, & Hauptman, 2009).
This theory is based on several principles:
: focuses on identification of crucial duties of pain and pleasure in the life of a human being,
accepts or condemns and action on the grounds of pleasure and pain achieved, assimilates pain
with evil and pleasure with good and states that pain and pleasure can be quantified thus
measurable. In the case study, we try to understand how much pain or pleasure does technology
brings into dating. However, argues that it is not about quantification of pain and pleasure but
that of quality of happiness that is key in utilitarian theory.
Act-utilitarianism principle of utility directly applies to every selected option applied in a
situation. It defines a right action as that which gives the best outcome. Criticisms of this view
point is that be immoral acts can be justified. In this scenario we try to understand if bringing too
much technology to dating bring about the best results. (Reynolds, 2013).
Rule-utilitarianism principle of utility is used to decide the genuineness of moral principles. Thus
the virtue of an action being right or wrong depends solely on whether one is adhering to the set
principles. A general criticism of this principle is that unfair rule can be developed. Internet has
brought in the ability to stalk the person of interest either on facebook, and other social sites.
According to moral principles this act is wrong. Information gained on the internet about a
person may not be accurate as the information you get when you meet the individual face to face.
Deontology Theory
Deontological or duty-based theory is centred upon about what humans don and not the
outcomes of their activities. This theory depends on the nonconsequentialist aspect of individuals
and decorous decision making. Therefore, this theory stands on the basis that a certain behaviour
is not justifiable by its results or outcomes instead other aspects than just acceptable results
decides whether that action is right. With this theory means are crucial in cases where the ends
justify the means. (Floridi,2013).
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Deontologists consider the following as moral rules; it’s wrong to steal, lie, kill innocent people
and right to keep promises. Individuals who adhere to this theory should always consider
themselves to do the right thing even if it causes more harm than good. The baseline here is just
doing the right thing and not worry about the consequences. In our case study, we try to use this
theory to understand if people use technology to do the right thing, that is, will they want the
same to be done to them. Like installing spy software on spouse’s phone or laptop to see what
he/ she is doing. According to this theory that is wrong. (Jasanoff, 2016).
Criticism of this view is that Duty-based ethics is that it can lead to continuity of activities that
can consequently reduce the degree of pleasure because it is not based on the consequences.
Virtue Theory
This theory gives priority to the character of a person as the crucial feature of moral thinking,
instead of principles about the actions or their outcome. There are three main strands of this
theory:
- is the symmetrical conception of Virtue Ethics. It argues that good life and happiness is the
major objective of any person and this objective can be met by applying right virtues to our daily
undertakings and practicing wisdom to counter conflicts that may come our way. Actually a
good life would be made up of eudaimonia which should be considered as a goal from a life well
lived without regarding the emotional state of an individual experiencing it. (Kidd & Chen,
2008).
A virtue is a practice that enables a person achieve their goals. The primary concern of virtue
ethics is the character traits of an individual that are crucial for the flourishment of a person not
with the list of duties. This theory gives directions one behaviours and characteristics a moral
individual seek to attain. It is more interested in the life of a human being than some specific
actions.
It is an important theory because people tend to criticize the behaviours and characters of another
individual than evaluating the consequences of an action. This implies that it is better to teach
people how to be good than using laws and punishments to stop wrong actions from being done
is a society. To be of use, a virtue theory should enumerate a least set of features and behaviour
an individual should have in order to be considered virtuous.
Virtue ethics educates that an action is taken to be right if it can be done by a good person under
the same environment. This theory suggests that if a virtuous person uses technology to find a
spouse and s/he can use it again and again then that act is considered right. Arguably, it is not
true because you don’t know the person’s character and traits thus what you talk over the internet
may not be seen if you meet in person. (Taddeo & Miller, 2016).
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This theory has been criticized that as much is it give directions on how to be a good person it
doesn’t give clear guidance on moral; dilemmas. It is more likely to take a virtuous person as a
role model because he/ she would know what to do and how to do it.
Contract Theory
This theory takes morals and political responsibilities of a person as relying on convention
between them to develop a community in which they reside. However, this theory is justifiably
affiliated to contemporary political and moral theory. In the modern West, it has been one of the
primary theories within political and moral throughout its history. (Beycioglu, 2013).
Contract theory examines the traits of a decision maker using defined set of structures. Its goal is
to enter procedures that will improve a person’s decision. Due to this, contract theory has been
broken down into three types of foundations: , , and signalling. These frameworks develop ways
for groups to utilize suitable actions These models find ways for parties to take appropriate
actions under certain conditions established in the contract.
However, this theory has been criticized that it depicts a deficient image of political and moral
live of people and may disguise some of the techniques in which the contract is submissive upon
subjection of people’s classes. (Schultz, 2010).
Conclusion
The assumption and the idea that online dating save on time has been taken to be more important
that actually looking for a partner. Online dating has several advantages including giving a
person several potential partners of different personalities than they would actually find on daily
basis. However, finding and choosing a partner who is a perfect match can be confusing and
difficult and some of the important qualities cannot be identified as one could have identified
them one on one.
Recommendation
As much as we live in a world where technology has taken the centre stage, dating is not just a
life choice, but forms basis of good families, therefore, I do recommend that people interact
physically with the people they would like to share the rest of their lives with. This gives them
opportunity to know their individual characters and traits before they opt to settle down and start
a family together.
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