Discuss
If a company follows data protection laws, it acts ethically in regard to user data. Company X follows all data protection laws. Therefore, Company X acts ethically in regard to user data. Is this argument valid or a fallacy?
Valid - Modus Ponens
A superhero whose mantra about responsibility should also apply to developers of powerful AI systems.
Who is Spider Man?
This regulation protects your personal data, but unfortunately, it doesn't improve Wi-Fi reception.
What is GDPR?
The internet's biggest lie.
What is "I have read and agree to the terms and conditions"?
After the introduction of smartphones, there has been a rise in cyberbullying incidents. Therefore, smartphones are the cause of increased cyberbullying. Is this argument valid and sound?
No, it implies a causal relationship due to the chronological order (fallacy: post hoc ergo propter hoc)
This company's motto aged like milk in the sun after they decided being a little evil might be profitable after all.
What is Google?
When a game trains you to click the green button for "next level" – but surprise! It's actually a purchase button.
What is the bait and switch dark pattern?
In the YouTube video "Der Lehre Nerd" (Teaching Nerd), this person is featured, highlighting their dedication to teaching.
Who is Dominik Herrmann?
If a company engages in sustainable practices, it is considered ethical. Company X does not engage in sustainable practices. Therefore, Company X is not ethical. Is this argument valid or a fallacy.
Fallacy - Denying the Antecedent
During a lecture streaming to 100 students, the Wi-Fi is overloaded – again. As network admin, you could flip a "kill switch" to forcibly disconnect 20 random students, ensuring connectivity for the rest. This scene is a modern version of a classic problem.
What is the Trolley Problem?
Like that one friend who exposed the class group chat to the teacher, this guy showed everyone how the NSA was reading our digital notes.
Who is Edward Snowden?
Prof. Herrmann's cat has its own Instagram account and more followers than most of his colleagues.
What is wrong?
If a technology is developed ethically, it is widely accepted. Social media is widely accepted. Therefore, social media was developed ethically. Is this argument valid or a fallacy?
Fallacy - Affirming the Consequent
According to this philosopher, you should never lie, even if your friend asks if you like their terrible haircut.
Who is Immanuel Kant?
Like when the whole class gets extra homework because of one noisy student, this ethical principle claims that violating some people's privacy is fine if it benefits the majority.
What is "utilitarianism"?
A comic that made people smile in 1993 but would not make sense anymore today.
What is "On the Internet, nobody knows you are a dog!"?
All companies that value customers' privacy are ethical. Company Y values customers' privacy. Therefore, all ethical companies value customers' privacy. Is this argument valid or a fallacy?
Fallacy - Fallacy of the Undistributed Middle
A concept discussed in relation to the "internet driver’s license" proposal, concerning the role of authority in protecting individuals.
What is Paternalism?
Your brain at the cookie consent banner: "Future Me will definitely regret giving away all my data, but Present Me really wants to see this cat video NOW!".
What is an example of hyperbolic discounting and/or immediate gratification?
When someone responds to your privacy concerns with "Well, you use TikTok, so clearly you don't know what you're talking about!"
An example of an Ad Hominem argument.