D842: Technology and Ethics, a Look at Emerging Trends and Society

D842 is a general education ethics course for people studying across WGU's programs, from teaching to information technology. WGU describes it as applying ethical frameworks to emerging trends such as artificial intelligence, social media and other digital media.

It has no prerequisites. The challenge is not the technology but the reasoning: applying a named ethical framework to a case and reaching a justified conclusion, not simply giving an opinion.

What D842 Covers

Key Concepts Explained

Three Common Lenses

Consequentialism judges actions by outcomes. Deontology judges by duties and rules. Virtue ethics asks what a person of good character would do. Your course materials set which frameworks you must use.

Privacy and Identity

Data about you can shape the profile others see. Consider consent, ownership of data and how algorithms categorize people.

Structure of an Ethical Analysis

Describe the facts, identify stakeholders and the ethical issue, apply each framework, compare the results and reach a justified conclusion.

Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them

The guidebook does not name assessments. These are the kinds of tasks the competencies suggest.

A Competency-by-Competency Study Approach

1. Frameworks first. Write a three-line summary of each framework.
2. Privacy and identity. Collect two examples and list the stakeholders affected.
3. Apply. Run one example through every framework in a table.
4. Case study. Write the analysis in the order of facts, issue, frameworks, comparison, conclusion.

Comparing Frameworks on One Case

The case study competency asks for multiple theories. A comparison table makes the analysis easy to write and to read.

After the table, write a comparison paragraph: where the frameworks agree, where they conflict and which conclusion you find best supported.

Choosing a Case for Analysis

When you can choose a case, pick one with real tension. Good examples involve a clear technology, identifiable stakeholders and competing interests.

• Is the technology specific, such as a recommendation algorithm or a data broker?
• Can you name at least three stakeholders?
• Do the frameworks lead to different conclusions?
• Is there enough reliable information to describe the facts?

Worked Example: A Social Media Case

A platform uses engagement data to recommend content that keeps teenagers online longer. Stakeholders include teenagers, parents, the company, advertisers and regulators.

A consequentialist view weighs benefits such as connection against harms to wellbeing and attention. A deontological view asks whether users give meaningful consent and whether the design respects their autonomy.

A virtue view asks whether the company shows honesty and care. Your comparison notes where these views converge, for example on transparency, and states your reasoned conclusion.

Where Students Get Stuck

• Opinion in place of analysis. Name the framework and use its logic.
• One-sided cases. Present the strongest points of each stakeholder.
• Listing frameworks without comparing. The comparison shows depth.
• Unsupported conclusions. Tie your conclusion to the reasoning above it.

Study Tips for D842

• Practice the same case with all frameworks and compare results.
• Use current, specific examples rather than general statements.
• Keep paragraphs short and labeled by framework.
• Read your conclusion and ask whether a reader could trace it back to your analysis.

How We Help with D842

Send the case, rubric and your draft. A tutor can explain the frameworks, give feedback on your analysis or prepare a model case study to learn from. For case-style writing, see our case study writing guide.

GradeEssays is independent and not affiliated with Western Governors University. Use our help as a study aid, then complete your own work under WGU's academic integrity policy. We do not take assessments or access portals, and we cannot promise a competency decision. Free revisions; full refund if late.