Ethical Issues in Ethics Paper Topics in Information Technology Forum

Ethical Issues in Ethics Paper Topics in Information Technology ForumAs I write this, Ethics Paper Topics in Information Technology (or e-BTIT) is clearly the hottest topic among both the news media and the Internet community. In fact, the reasons behind this are varied but broadly present: It's simply the most 'exciting' topic with the greatest public attention. Also, it's unique; it's not like any other topic that has ever existed.That's not to say that e-BTIT isn't quite a technical issue, either; in fact, it is more technical than most technical issues. Yet, many people just can't get enough of it and want to know how they can benefit from the discussion. Many others are drawn to the topic by the simple joy of having an online argument with someone over an important topic.So, the question arises: What is the e-BTIT forum all about? What does it contain? Is it all about ethical issues?The topics of e-BTIT provide a venue for individuals to discuss such debates openly, without fear of 'burn-out' or anything of the sort. This forum is not really a forum for that purpose. Rather, it's a place where experts, and often those who have an online reputation that is far different than their actual personality, can come together to bring the issue to the fore, and offer expert views. We often see these discussions and expert views lead to more valuable online discussion that benefits those who participate.Because of the nature of the forum, there is more room for different viewpoints to be expressed. Because it's more than one opinion on one topic, there is much more room for diverse viewpoints, and each individual feels that they are actually contributing something. While there are some who may not agree with the speaker, there is room for the other viewpoint; which is far more common than we would like to think.Indeed, the e-BTIT forum is truly open and non-partisan, if that is what you want from the forum. The professional view is not trying to sway any current pol itical action; it's just trying to get these professional opinions expressed, and to bring them to the forefront. Of course, if you are a professional, you're free to be as conservative or liberal as you wish, but the beauty of the forum is that you don't have to fit your thoughts into some pre-defined, political box.The ethics involved in all of this work is relatively simple, in that it is about technical issues that are relevant to the debate. However, it is also about personal values and being able to express those values freely. Therefore, that's what the discussion is really about, for those participating.For those of us who are interested in ethics, such as ourselves, and those who find this very interesting, this is a forum where we can actually learn something and interact, without being afraid of our own biases. As many debates are, this one is long overdue. Please consider all this.