The history of digital ethics

Digital ethics, also known as computer ethics or information ethics, is now a lively field that draws a lot of attention. But what were the developments that led to its existence and present state? What are the traditions, concerns, and technological and social developments that guided digital ethics? How did ethical issues change with the digitalization of human life? How did the traditional discipline of philosophy respond and how was ‘applied ethics’ influenced by these developments? This chapter proposes to view the history of digital ethics in three phases: pre-digital modernity (before the invention of digital technology), digital modernity (with digital technology but analogue lives), and digital post-modernity (with digital technology and digital lives). For each phase, the developments in digital ethics are explained with the background of the technological and social conditions. Finally, a brief outlook is provided.