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Document Details :

Title: New Dimensions in Technical Decision
Author(s): HERIARD, Bertrand
Journal: Ethical Perspectives
Volume: 4    Issue: 4   Date: December 1997   
Pages: 280-287
DOI: 10.2143/EP.4.4.562993

Abstract :
The thesis which I will defend is the following: the scale of technological decisions has changed, both in space — they affect more people — and in time — they often have irreversible consequences. Nevertheless, those who make the decisions are human beings, and their actions can be criticized by moral philosophy1 just like any other human actions. Yet such a criticism cannot be carried out without the mediation of analytical tools adapted to the scope of such decisions, namely the various social sciences which describe the technical, political, economic and cultural dimensions of such decisions. This mediation should enable philosophers to discern the ethical consequences of these decisions, and the professionals to exercise their responsibility more effectively.

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