Unit 7: Essay

Gatekeeper algorithms, such as those which determine the content you see on Instagram or Facebook, make decisions based on variables which it updates based on what the user does. Using Floridi’s criteria for moral agency, make the case that such algorithms should be considered moral agents. Then discuss how we should respond to such moral agents when they cause harm. Finally, explore at least one problem with understanding moral agency/moral responsibility in the way Floridi proposes.

Unit 7: Essay Answer 

Understanding Moral-gortihms

With the fresh and exciting rise of the age of information, new technologies have also emerged. Along with these technological advancements, however, bring forth new questions about morality and accountability of conscience-less beings; especially when these innovations strongly influence large numbers of people virtually. A commonly utilized and often controversial example of these are gatekeeper algorithms.