Chapter 7.4, Problem 3EGDQ

Explanation of Solution

Eric’s fraudulent behavior:

Eric, removing the matters on the Internet and doing illegal activities in search engine results for money is not an ethical act according to categorical imperative. If all the comments are taken off the Internet then, possibly there wouldn’t be any content on the Internet. Doing illegal activities in search engine results, is not a good universal law.

Categorical Imperative:

Categorical imperative signifies a complete requirement or a law that must be followed in all situations and is acceptable as an end in it.

Here, Eric’s behavior is considered to be ethical, if he is willing to publish his actions to the whole world and not few people. Hence, his behavior is not ethical.

Utilitarian perspective:

Utilitarianism is nothing, but a moral theory that states that the greatest act is the one that increases utility.

Eric’s manipulation brings more harm to the public, because they don’t get the consistent and correct information...