Hacking into a protected system is an immoral act in normal society. Therefore, hacking into Harvard’s academic system by an MBA student is considered immoral and hence a crime.
Discussion of morality from the following points of view:
Egoism
However, moral theories can seem to detest the authenticity of society’s judgement. Looking at the act from an egoism point of view suggests that the MBA student did what he deemed moral because he acted in self-interest.
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Utilitarianism
From a utilitarianism point of view, the MBA student did well. Utilitarianism is a doctrine that implies any action that leads to the greatest happiness is good. The student pain of anxiety led him to hack which would bring happiness by knowing his fate soon enough. Sharing the hacking procedure with others also brought more happiness to them making the action even more right.
Kant’s Theory
Kant's theory, unlike egoism and utilitarianism, suggests the student’s action as wrong because the act did not represent his duty and did not come out of goodwill. The judgment does not come from the consequence but the intent of the action.
Ross’s Pluralism and Rule Utilitarianism
On the first appearance, not looking at the law, Harvard system's security or the need to wait till Harvard communicates the act of hacking is unethical. Ross's pluralism does not look at the consequences of hacking but focuses on the prima facie duty of the action. Hacking and sharing the procedure online leaves Harvard’s system vulnerable to the public. The action may cause Harvard to upgrade its security. Rule utilitarianism implies the action is moral because it brought greater good.
As applicants the students did not consider the long-term effects of their actions. As argued, egoism, utilitarianism, and rule utilitarianism may suggest good action in the short run, long-run consequences did not solicit happiness or satisfaction, and therefore, hacking became wrong. The students’ intuitiveness should have sparked the idea that they may become students of the institutions thus have an obligation to abide by their rules. The notion of acceptance to the institutions means the students form the school’s community. It does not make sense to attack oneself.
There exists a generational gap as some people, particularly the young generation do not understand why hacking is wrong while it causes no harm to the administration and the students. However, the crime is in the duty of the student.
Reference
Shaw, W. H. (2017). Business ethics (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.
