J. Ellsworth Ethics

Module 1

John MacDonald

ETH301

Dr. Remedies

30 May 2011

The question of whether or not to give Justin Ellsworth’s parents access to his email account seems to be a pretty simple question when presented on its own. If I were to be approached on the street with this seemingly simple question, I would probably agree to let them have access, they are his parents after all. What would letting his parents see his email account have to do with me?

Over the last 15 or so years, email has become an instantaneous form of communication that is used the world over for personal and business purposes. Emails are used by almost everyone and millions are sent on a daily basis. Would I want the company I subscribe with just let anyone who asks have access to my personal correspondence? No, I would not, as I have an expected right to privacy and agreed to the terms set by the company to use their email program and servers. My emails are part my property and part of the company I am utilizing to send them. I agree to abide by their rules that are in place to not only protect the company and it processes, but also my privacy in what I write and with whom I communicate with.

This case may have a set a precedent for other cases that may follow. The issue of a family wanting to know everything about the lost loved one is definitely an emotional subject. As I researched the numerous articles online, I could definitely sympathize with the argument that his parents presented in wanting to access his email.

I am sure Justin’s family did what they thought was right for them in trying to hold onto their memories of Justin. However, they may have uncovered things he did not want them to know and could have possibly altered their memories of him and what he was going through while he was deployed away from home.

The utilitarian and deontological ethics have to be considered when the decision is going to be made to invade someone’s...