Trident University International

Michael S. Hunter

Module 1 Case Assignment

ETH 301: Business Ethics

Dr. Steven Gold and Dr. Joel Kostman

August 8th, 2011

During the next few pages I will make an argument through utilitarian and deontological reasoning and explore the nature of privacy to answer the question; “Should Justin Ellsworth’s Parents have been given access to his email?” This is a very debatable question. It is my belief based upon my values and life experiences to take the position that his parents should not be given access to his e-mail.
First, let us consider the utilitarian aspect of the question. Utilitarianism, as defined by the notes under the Module 1 home page, “the assessment of good versus bad consequences of an action and choosing the course of action that best serves the greatest good for the greatest number”. In the Ellsworth case there are many factors to consider. Positive factors include many interests by both parties. One example is the obligation for Yahoo as an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to honor their contractual agreement. Another positive factor for Justin’s parents is the ability to gain some additional insight into his personal life, something they may need for personal closure and the parental need to know more about their son’s life. A negative aspect of this case is the ultimate disclosure of communications that were private between Justin and another individual. If he meant for his parents to receive a copy of the communication he could have simply courtesy copied or blind copied them on the email string. Another negative aspect is the fact that his emails contained his personal thoughts and ideas and were not meant nor intended to be read by anyone other than the addressee. I am certain we all feel that our right to have confidential correspondence should be protected at all costs. In this