To begin to determine a universal set of ethical guides for the use of digital technology, one must begin by examining ethical perspectives from around the globe. These frameworks are defined and unique according to the view of self. How does one fit into the world and relate to it. Throughout time and place, cultures have developed distinct ways of defining self. The culture a person is raised in is a primary determining factor for which ethical framework “works”. Ess describes utilitarianism as a consequentialist way of solving ethical issues. What will happen if one choice is made rather than another. In this framework, consequences to an ethical choice are assessed and the decision is made based on the greatest pleasure, or the avoidance of pain. One weakness with this method is that the measurement of the consequences changes over time. The pleasure/pain ratio might weigh one way immediately, but the farther out the possible consequences are projected, the pleasure/pain ratio could change significantly. Another weakness with this method is placing value on the possible outcomes for all interested parties.

The following five ethical frameworks are also described in detail:

• deontology—issues are decided based on what is right,
• virtue ethics—issues are decided based on what is good (eudaimonia & phronesis),
• feminist ethics (or the ethics of care)—places importance on emotional considerations,
• Confucianism—focuses on becoming a more complete human being in relation to family and community, and
• African ethics (or ubuntu)—evaluates the self through relationships within family and the larger community.

In addition to the six frameworks of ethical thought, Ess also describes three processes for the application (or evaluation) of the previously mentioned ethical frameworks. Ethical monism is polarizing; when a position is taken, it is taken absolutely, and all other positions must be false. Ethical relativism allows for more flexibility in the application of a particular framework but fails to make a cohesive argument about an ethical norm that could, and should, apply universally to all humans regardless of culture, gender, age, etc.  A third possible method for the application or understanding of the ethical frameworks is ethical pluralism. This thought process allows flexibility in how an ethical standard is applied.