This research seminar is focused on the philosophy of values, value based computer system design and digital ethics at large. It is consists of three parts. The first part of the course requires participants to read Nikolai Hartmann's "Ethics", which will be jointly discussed during class. Secondly, the philosophy of values presented in Hartmann's "Ethics" will be applied to value based design of computer systems. It will be challenged and compared to alternative approaches to ethics as embraced by contemporary IS scholars. Thirdly, this seminar gives students the additional opportunity to present their research work in the field of digital ethics and to get feedback on their method and arguments.

The learning outcomes of this seminar are

• an understanding of what values are from the philosophical perspective of phenomenology
• an understanding of the ethical value based design of computer systems

Ph.D. students are required to attend all sessions of this seminar.

Every week one participant in the seminar will give a presentation on his or her research work for joint discussion and scrutiny.

The quality of the material presented, attendance and participation in the discussion are the basis for grading in this course.

Scheler, M. (1921 (2007)). Der Formalismus in der Ethik und die Materiale Wertethik - Neuer Versuch der Grundlegung eines ethischen Personalismus (2. unveränderte Auflage ed.). Halle an der der Saale: Verlag Max Niemeyer.