Luhmannian Reflection on Cyber-Ethics

Abstract

Cyber ethics is a branch of so-called applied ethics. In this paper we discuss the question of whether Internet technology introduces any unique ethical issues or not. We start our discussion examining a difference between physical space and cyber space, then discuss how this difference is treated in Luhmann's theory of social system, in other words, what kind of difference in moral communication can be induced, and consider a difference between ethics in physical space and in cyber space. In physical space, we can do all of what is not forbidden by the law of nature. On the other hand, in cyber space we can do all of what is not forbidden by software constituting cyber space. Of course, we can rewrite software and regulate any undesirable act which was possible formerly. In this case, neither law nor ethic is necessary for such a cyber space. But, we cannot take all situations that can happen into account. Whenever a new act becomes possible, software needs revisions. There is no guarantee that revisions repeated many times do not contradict mutually. So, there will be room to exist ethical problems in cyber space.