Culture and global networks: Hope for a global ethics? | Culture and communication in digital worlds

Author(s): Charles Ess

Year of publication: 2008

Keywords: Global village, Internet optimism, Secondary orality, Globalization, Cultural homogenization, McWorld, Disneyfication, Cultural identity, Fragmentation, Digital era tensions

Methodology/Sample: _/_

Reference: Ess, C. (2008). Culture and Global Networks: Hope for a Global Ethics? In J. van den Hoven & J. Weckert (Eds.), Information Technology and Moral Philosophy (pp. 195–225). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511498725.012

Abstract

At the height of 1990s, optimism regarding the rapidly expanding Internet and World Wide Web, Marshall McLuhan’s vision of a global village seemed within more or less easy reach. By wiring the world, it was argued in many ways, we would enter into the ‘secondary orality of electronic culture’ (Ong 1988) and thereby open up an electronic information superhighway that would realize a genuinely global village – one whose citizens would enjoy the best possibilities of democratic politics, social and ethical equality, freedom of expression, and economic development. This optimism, however, was countered by increasing tensions in the economic, political and social arenas between two contrasting developments. On the one hand, the phenomena of globalization – including, for example, growing internationalization and interdependencies of markets – appear to lead to increasing cultural homogenization. As terms for this homogenization such as ‘McWorld’ (Barber 1995) or ‘Disneyfication’ (Hamelink 2000) suggest, it is strongly shaped by the consumer and entertainment cultures of Western nations. On the other hand, and at least in part in reaction against real and perceived threats to given cultural traditions and identities, new (or renewed) efforts to defend and sustain these identities and traditions were seen by some to lead to fragmentation and indeed violence – most famously and disastrously, of course, in the attacks of September 11 , 2001 against the World Trade Towers and the Pentagon.

> Summary

The paper explores ethical pluralism, balancing relativism and universalism in diverse cultural contexts.
It discusses the contrast between U.S. utilitarianism and European deontological approaches to ethics.
The Association of Internet Researchers developed ethical guidelines reflecting global perspectives on research ethics.
The work emphasizes the importance of acknowledging incommensurable differences in ethical traditions.
The abstract highlights the collisions and collusions in Western philosophy regarding ethical practices.

> Problem statement

The paper discusses tensions between globalization and cultural homogenization, highlighting the impact of Western consumer culture on diverse societies.
It addresses ethical dilemmas in research, particularly regarding human subjects protections and the balance between individual rights and research benefits.
The challenge of establishing universal norms in information ethics amidst cultural differences is emphasized, suggesting partial success in achieving these norms.
The paper critiques the utilitarian approach to data privacy in the U.S., contrasting it with more stringent European protections.
It explores the intersection of Western and Chinese ethical perspectives, advocating for ethical pluralism that respects cultural particularities.
The abstract indicates a focus on the collisions and collusions in cultural attitudes towards technology and communication.

> Methods used

Not addressed in the paper.

> Practical implications

The paper highlights the ethical dilemma researchers face when balancing human rights and research benefits.
It emphasizes the need for a global ethics framework to navigate diverse ethical traditions.
The synthesis of ethical traditions can enhance responsibility in information ethics.
Researchers must consider potential harms to individuals and their relations when publishing personal information.
The paper suggests that ethical self-direction is crucial for navigating complex ethical landscapes.
It argues for a pluralistic approach to ethics that respects diverse cultural values.
The abstract indicates a focus on collisions and collusions in ethical practices, impacting research methodologies.