Cyberethics: Morality and Law in Cyberspace

by Richard A. Spinello

Morality and Law in Cyberspace, Seventh Edition provides a comprehensive and up-to-date investigation of the internet’s influence on our society and our lives. As internet use expands and new informational technologies are developed worldwide, unprecedented social and moral issues continue to emerge. This crucial and timely resource addresses problems of censorship, intellectual property, information privacy, and cybersecurity through the lenses of morality and public policy, and discusses potential resolutions that may be reached through technology, law, or a combination of the two. The Seventh Edition’s updated case studies are highly relevant to the modern age of cyberspace, and invite readers to consider both the legal and philosophical perspectives of a broad range of current hot-button issues. Addressing major corporate data breaches, fair use and the Crypto Wars, and the political impact of regulation and “fake news,” among other recent controversies, the case studies selected provide students the opportunity to view the subject in a global context and are sure to prompt thoughtful classroom discussion.

Genres: Philosophy, School, Nonfiction, Reference

254 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 2016

About the author

Dr Richard A. Spinello (Ph.D., Fordham University) is an Associate Research Professor in the Carroll School of Management at Boston College.

Reviews

[BeanSchnitzz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spinello's book on cyber-ethics provides a comprehensive exploration of multiple theories, laws and regulations, assumptions, and potential solutions within the cyber-sphere. The book is written engagingly and is a valuable resource for anyone interested ;)

[Joel Swan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I find this book to be exceedingly dry and overly academic in nature. I am reading this for a class called Ethical Hacking. I have already spent four years at a university reading texts such as these that would not exist without the academic framework they are produced for. If you like strenuous Philosophical arguments about the History of the theory of different ethical frameworks, this book is for you! I am perusing a Technical degree and simply don't have time for this.

[Glenease · Rating 1 out of 5]

Only read this as it was assigned reading for a college class. It was so boring but I got an A in the class so that was a plus.

[belaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

it’s a textbook. you get what you get

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the whole I really liked this book. It would make a great supplementary text for a CS Social Implications of Computing graduate level course. Unfortunately for such a course it could not stand on its own, which is fine since that is not its intention. This review was in no way influenced by the author's home town.

Below are some of my reading notes:

- Good end of chapter questions
- Good use of mass media and popular culture references
- Information Ethics as presented is interesting
- Nice discussion of ethical theory pros and cons
- There seems to be no mention of professional codes of ethics such as those from ACM and IEEE
- Just 1 URL reference has an access date given
- Important to check publish dates of references as you read to put content into proper context
- Not sure this text would prepare students to apply the ethical theories
- Does not mention Trade Secrets as a method for protecting IP. Software as a Service is nearly wholly enabled by the Internet.

[Clarence Bills · Rating 4 out of 5]

It goes through the evolution of the Internet from birth to almost current. Going through the First Amendment right battles over the years. The copyright battles, patents, and everything. The Internet is still pretty much the Wild Wild West, which is the way I sort of like it. Though there are a lot of others out there that don't feel that way.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book provided only surface level details on various ethical theories and left me to conclude that Lessig’s market-norms-law-software code framework is fatally flawed. When it comes to cyber - bring on Hobbes and Locke - and pray that experts in government put mechanisms in place that protect our identities, bank accounts, and intellectual property from cyber thieves.

[dejah_thoris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad textbook. Lots of real world examples. A bit liberal in its philosophical analyses of various issues, but otherwise bearable. Does a great job explaining the various ways of examining an issue and provides several case studies for thoughtful analysis.

[Raj Agrawal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of ethical/legal considerations in the cyber domain. This only hits the major points and counterpoints, but it's a useful introduction for the strategist or policy maker.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars