Ethical Engineering: Definitions, Theories and Techniques - Ethical Engineering for International Development and Environmental Sustainability - page 21

Table 2.2 (continued)
Theory Properties Concepts References

Negative utilitarian Monist, situational,outcomes

oriented

Mainly concerned with offsetting
or mitigating present or future
harms

Hersh ( 2003 , 2012b ), Inglehart et al. ( 1987 ),
and Rothbart and Edwards ( 2003 )

Normative Pluralist, absolutist, process

oriented

The defence of principles, such as
benefi cence, justice and autonomy

Cooper ( 1987 ), Hersh ( 2012b ), and
Kagan ( 1998 )

Positive utilitarian Monist, situational, outcomes

oriented

Assesses benefi ts against risks
and costs

Hersh ( 2003 , 2012b ), and Mill ( 1871 )

Rights Pluralist, absolutist, process

oriented

Considers actions to be wrong if
they violate fundamental moral
rights

Basart and Serra ( 2013 ), Gardiner et al.
( 2010 ), Hersh ( 2012b ), and Nino ( 1993 )

Rule based Monist, absolutist, process

oriented

Application of rules,
e.g. institutional codes
of ethics or professional conduct

Engineering Council ( 2010 ), Oldenquist and
Slowter ( 1979 ), Parker ( 1968 ), and VDI ( 2002 )

Virtue Monist, absolutist, process

oriented

Supports actions which
build good character

Beauchamp ( 2001 ), Doris ( 1998 ), Havard
( 2007 ), Hursthouse ( 1999 ), and Swanton
( 2003 )