John and Beth sharing a textbook and password is ethically reasonable, reflecting cost-saving collaboration. However, it may breach the website's terms of service, potentially leading to consequences but not necessarily constituting a computer crime.
John: Ethical☑️ Unethical___ Computer crime___
Beth: Ethical☑️ Unethical___ Computer crime___
Reasoning:
Sharing the cost of a textbook and sharing a password for a website to save money is generally considered ethical. It reflects a collaborative and cost-effective approach. However, this assumes that the textbook and website usage policy permit sharing.
While sharing a password could be against the terms of service of the website, it might not necessarily be considered a computer crime in this specific scenario. It depends on the website's policies and whether they explicitly prohibit sharing accounts.
The reasoning here considers ethical behavior in terms of collaboration and cost-sharing, but it also acknowledges potential violations of terms of service, which could be subject to consequences outlined by the service provider.
The complete question is:
Beside the situation below, place a check by the term(s) that best reflects your opinion of the behavior of the individual. Provide your reasoning for your answers using both the ethical codes of conduct and the information on computer crimes.
a. John and Beth are both enrolled in the same section of a computer class. The textbook is expensive so they decide to split the cost and share the required textbook. The book includes access to a Web site; however, it is designed so only one account can be established. They elect to establish one account in Beth’s name and share the password.
John: Ethical___ Unethical___ Computer crime___
Beth: Ethical___ Unethical___ Computer crime___