Ethical behaviour and rationality in automation systems development: Promoting the humanist/existentialist axis for international stability

Peter J. Carew, Larry Stapleton, Gabriel J. Byrne

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper presents a four-factor model of ethical behaviour and explores rationalities underlying automation systems development. These four factors - Existentialist, Humanist, Technocentrist and Industriofatalist - were identified using Q methodology as part of a study into privacy and its role, meaning and value for information systems engineering. The four-factor model is presented as a holistic model of ethical behaviour and rationality for automation systems development and contemporary society more generally. This paper considers the applicability of the four-factor model for advancing international stability, and argues that the Humanist/Existentialist axis should be promoted to encourage personally empowered and responsible praxis (Existentialist) that is directed towards the protection and advancement of core human values and rights (Humanist). However, the dominance of the diametric Technocentrist/ Industriofatalist axis in promoting amoral, instrumentally rational and industrial/economic values to the detriment of substantive human values remains a challenge in this regard.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 18th IFAC World Congress
PublisherIFAC Secretariat
Pages4022-4027
Number of pages6
Edition1 PART 1
ISBN (Print)9783902661937
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011

Publication series

NameIFAC Proceedings Volumes (IFAC-PapersOnline)
Number1 PART 1
Volume44
ISSN (Print)1474-6670

Keywords

  • Ethics
  • Factor model
  • Human values
  • Q methodology
  • Rationality
  • Systems development

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