Ethical implications of Sixth Sense - Assignment Example

Potter Box: Ethical Implications of Sixth Sense Technology The SixthSense technology is a wearable device with a projectorthat paves the way for profound interaction with our environment. With the power of this technology come ethical implications that need to be considered. These ethical implications can be explored through the dimensions and steps of the Potter box. The first dimension and step is to define the situation (Backus and Ferraris 226). The situation is the existence of the SixthSense that could possibly affect one’s privacy and even security.

The second dimension and step is to identify the applicable values (Backus and Ferraris 226). As an inventor, Mistry did well. However, the invention might put the security and privacy of people at risk. This brings us, then, to the third dimension and third and fourth steps, which consider and link the principles to the associated applicable values (Backus and Ferraris 226). One ethical philosophy to be considered is the utilitarianism theory. Will the gadget bring happiness to the majority?

The answer is most probably "no," because not everyone can afford such gadgets. Another ethical philosophy to be considered is the natural law. Will the SixthSense cause individual to respect others, or will the gadget cause an individual to do what is not naturally good and then suffer with his or her conscience? Owning such a powerful device can easily lure individuals to do things that could hurt another individual’s privacy and security. Finally, as according to the fourth dimension of the Potter Box, loyalties should be considered.

Should one choose to be loyal to the majority? Is the public (majority) deserving of loyalty? The answer to both questions is “yes.” While it is true that progress should be supported, this progress should be for the betterment, and not the detriment, of the whole society.Works CitedBackus, Nick and Claire Ferraris, eds. Theory Meets Practice: Using the Potter Box to Teach Business Communication Ethics. 2004, Western Oregon University. Western Oregon: Association for Business Communication, 2004. Print.TED.

“Pattie Maes and Pranav Mistry demo SixthSense.” TED. TED Conferences, LLC, Mar. 2009. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.