Privacy

Privacy is a collection of philosophical essays that explore the nature, value, and consequences of privacy, including concealment and exposure, the liberal value of privacy, privacy in social media, privacy rights and public information, and privacy and the limits of law. It is edited by Carissa Véliz and Steven Cahn and is a must-read for philosophers, psychologists, sociologists, and students studying digital and applied ethics, philosophy, media studies, communications, computer science, engineering, and sociology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 07 February 2023
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Companies collect and share a significant amount of personal information about individuals, encompassing their location, search history, preferences, habits, and relationships. As the amount of personal data collected and analyzed continues to grow, it is essential to consider the potential consequences of relinquishing privacy.

Privacy is a profound and multifaceted concept that encompasses the idea of concealment and exposure. It involves the right to control how one's personal information is shared and used. The essays in this collection explore various aspects of privacy, including its liberal value, its role in social media, the rights and responsibilities of individuals in the face of public information, and the limitations of law in protecting privacy.

One of the key themes in the collection is the idea of privacy as a fundamental human right. Philosophers argue that privacy is essential for individual autonomy, self-expression, and personal development. It allows individuals to maintain a sense of self and to engage in private activities without fear of surveillance or intrusion.

At the same time, privacy can also be seen as a means of protecting individuals from harm. By limiting the amount of personal information that is shared and exposed, individuals can reduce the risk of identity theft, fraud, and other forms of harm. Privacy also plays a crucial role in maintaining social relationships and trust.

However, the collection also highlights the challenges posed by contemporary technologies and practices that erode privacy. The rise of big data and artificial intelligence has led to the collection and analysis of vast amounts of personal information, often without the consent or knowledge of individuals. This has raised concerns about the potential for privacy violations, data breaches, and the misuse of personal information.

The essays in this collection address these issues from various philosophical perspectives. They explore the theories and arguments put forth by philosophers such as Judith Jarvis Thomson, Ruth Gavison, Thomas Scanlon, W. A. Parent, and Thomas Nagel, among others. The authors examine the ethical implications of data collection, online tracking, digital surveillance, and other contemporary privacy concerns.

One of the key insights of the collection is the recognition that privacy is not a static concept but rather a dynamic and evolving one. The essays explore the changing nature of privacy in different contexts, including governance, law, ethics, political philosophy, and public policy. The authors argue that privacy is not solely a matter of individual rights but also a societal and cultural concern.

The collection also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to the study of privacy. Philosophers, psychologists, sociologists, and computer scientists, among others, contribute to the understanding of privacy by drawing on their respective expertise. The authors argue that a comprehensive understanding of privacy requires a multi-faceted approach that considers the social, ethical, and technological dimensions of the issue.

In conclusion, Privacy is a thought-provoking and comprehensive collection of philosophical essays on privacy. It offers deep insights into the nature of privacy, its value, and the consequences of its loss. The essays address a range of topics, including concealment and exposure, the liberal value of privacy, privacy in social media, privacy rights and public information, privacy and the limits of law, and more. By bringing together both classic and contemporary work, the collection highlights the work of emerging thinkers and leaders in the subject and presents a valuable resource for philosophers, psychologists, sociologists, and advanced undergraduate and graduate students taking courses on digital and applied ethics, philosophy, media studies, communications, computer science, engineering, and sociology.

Weight: 295g
Dimension: 231 x 185 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781119932550