The PHIL 355E course examines ethical considerations within cybersecurity, focusing on professional responsibility, digital integrity, and moral decision-making in tech-related scenarios. As a result of taking this course, I feel confident that I have developed the skills of professional responsibility as well as being able to make moral decisions when placed in tech-related scenarios. One standout assignment I had to complete was a 1,500-word case analysis on the ethical misconduct of Bill Sourour, a developer who wrote deceptive code for a pharmaceutical company. His work directed users toward a drug that had severe consequences, raising significant concerns about ethical responsibility in software development. In my analysis, I demonstrated why Sourour’s actions were unethical and I also proposed alternative courses of action that would have aligned better with ethical principles while minimizing harm.
Through this assignment, I strengthened my ability to distinguish between moral and immoral actions in professions driven by technology. More specifically, my understanding of ethical decision-making in cybersecurity grew regarding how developers’ choices impact users. This case reinforced my approach to avoiding deceptive practices and considering the broader implications of technological work, preparing me to advocate for transparency and accountability in professional settings.
The primary artifact from this project is my research paper, which shows my reasoning, analysis, and ethical recommendations. It serves as documented evidence of my ability to critically evaluate professional ethical dilemmas and apply structured reasoning. Including this artifact in a portfolio would demonstrate my commitment to ethical accountability in cybersecurity and my ability to construct well-supported arguments.
Case-Analysis-on-Professional-Ethics