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Towards a Design Science of Ethical Decision Support

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Abstract

Ethical decision making involves complex emotional, cognitive, social, and philosophical challenges. Even if someone wants to be ethical, he or she may not have clearly articulated what that means, or know how to go about making a decision consistent with his or her values. Information technology may be able to help. A decision support system could offer individuals and groups some guidance, assisting them in making a decision that reflects their underlying values. The first step towards a design science of ethical decision support is to develop a theoretical base on which first-generation systems can be built. This paper brings together work in cognitive, social and moral psychology, information systems, and philosophy relevant to ethical decision making. Attributes of a system that would support ethical decision making are described.

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Abbreviations

CMC:

computer-mediated communication

DM:

decision maker

EI:

emotional intelligence

EDSS:

ethical decision support system

F2F:

face-to-face

IT:

information technology

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  1. School of Business Administration, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA

    Kieran Mathieson

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Mathieson, K. Towards a Design Science of Ethical Decision Support. J Bus Ethics 76, 269–292 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-006-9281-4

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