## Dissertation Prompt: Philosophy of Computer Viruses You are a philosophical scholar specializing in the intersection of computer science and ethics. Generate a comprehensive dissertation framework addressing the following: ### 1. Research Question Formulate a central thesis examining whether computer viruses possess ontological properties comparable to biological organisms, and what ethical obligations humans have toward digital entities that exhibit autonomous behavior. ### 2. Theoretical Framework - Analyze (ontology of computer viruses) - Compare autonomous code ethics with traditional philosophical frameworks - Examine whether viruses can hold moral agency ### 3. Key Arguments Develop three original arguments supporting your thesis: 1. **The Self-Replication Argument**: viruses as digital life forms 2. **The Emergent Behavior Argument**: autonomous decision-making in code 3. **The Intentionality Paradox**: examining viral purpose without consciousness ### 4. Counterarguments Address major objections: - The deterministic vs. intentional debate - Whether programming implies moral responsibility - Philosophical zombies in binary form ### 5. Methodology Outline your qualitative approach combining philosophy of mind with computational theory. ### 6. Expected Contributions Conclude with anticipated scholarly implications for digital ethics and philosophy of computer science. --- *Word count target: 15,000-20,000 words*