Critique on Digital Ethics: Exploration of Moral and Ethical Challenges in the Digital Age
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital media and artificial intelligence (AI), understanding the ethical implications of their development and use is crucial. This is where Dagmar Fenner's book, "Digitale Ethik" (Digital Ethics), published in 2025, comes into play.
Dagmar Fenner, a philosopher and professor of philosophy at the University of Basel, has penned a comprehensive work that delves into the ethical aspects of digital communication and AI. The book serves as a foundation for user involvement in these fields, encouraging as many users as possible to actively participate in their development.
Fenner's book is not directly linked to the practical examples, colorful tables, and graphics that one might find in other texts. Instead, it focuses on the complex topic of ethics in an understandable way for interested laypeople. Colorful tables and graphics at the end of many sections help to visualise connections, making the content more accessible.
The book provides initial definitions for seemingly well-known phenomena like responsibility. It also examines the influence of science fiction on people's perceptions of robotics and AI. Moreover, it discusses the consequences of media commercialization and conflict areas such as information overload, misinformation, filter bubbles, echo chambers, and digital violence.
One of the key chapters in the book is the AI ethics chapter, where Fenner delves into the black box problem, privacy loss through surveillance, discrimination due to bias effects, and the question of robot rights.
Interestingly, the ethical evaluation presented in Fenner's book shares similar goals with the "Vienna Manifesto for Digital Humanism," which was signed in 2019 by experts who share a common goal with Fenner's ethical approach. The manifesto, while not directly linked to Fenner's work, aims to promote a human-centric approach to digital technologies.
Quick skimming is not recommended for Fenner's book as it requires patience and time. It provides a good foundation for ethical considerations in the development of digital communication and AI, enriching philosophical considerations with practical examples.
In conclusion, Dagmar Fenner's "Digital Ethics" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the ethical implications of digital media and AI. It encourages active participation in their development and provides a solid foundation for ethical considerations.
