Ethics of multicriteria analysis
by Felix Rauschmayer
International Journal of Sustainable Development (IJSD), Vol. 3, No. 1, 2000

Abstract: Multicriteria analysis needs a normative basis. Utilitarianism could be such a normative basis, but it cannot meet the normative demands in the contexts of sustainable development. Another ethical approach, discursive ethics, can be applied to social dilemmas, but it cannot integrate all arguments relevant to environmental ethics. The context of pluralistic ethics could provide an ethical basis for multicriteria analysis here, the decision actors do not have to adhere to principles other than the respect for the autonomy of the people involved and the respect for their respective ethical convictions. A multicriteria analysis based on a pluralistic ethics necessitates criteria that respect the different ethical convictions, even if these criteria rest on non-scientific parameters. The solution-finding process that is supported by multicriteria decision aid helps to clarify the basic elements of ethical life and the consequences of different options.

Online publication date: Fri, 04-Jul-2003

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Sustainable Development (IJSD):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com