Ethical Decision Making Models

"Paramedic Ethics" is a model proposed by W. Robert Collins and Keith W. Miller. It is pubished in Computer Ethics and Social Values, D. Johnson and H. Nissenbaum, eds. (Prentice Hall, 1995, pp. 39-56). Their model may be summarized in 4 basic stages:

Gather data about the affected parties.
- Be sure the data is complete and accurate. Be sure all sides are represented.
Analyze the data and evaluate alternatives.
- Avoid polarizing choices into A and B alternatives. Keep an open mind. As each alternative is examined, identify benefits and risks.
Discuss the data and negotiate a consensus.
- Be aware of power relationships among the affected parties. Those with the least power often can not speak up for themselves.
Judge each possible solution against both deontological and utilitarian standards.
- The consensus may not be the best solution. A group may be swayed by the most aggressive or most emotional orator. Judging a decision against absolute standards can provide a "reality check."

Compare the model above with the Decision Making Model used by Lockheed Corporation. (The source for this information was a workshop at the ACM Policy '98 Conference presented by Ms. Anita Baker of Lockheed Corp.)

Evaluate information.
Consider how your decision may affect stakeholders.
Consider what ethical values are relevant to the situation.
Determine the best course of action that takes into account relevant values and stakeholder's interests.

Ernest A. Kallman and John P. Grillo, in, Ethical Decision Making and Information Technology, (McGraw-Hill, 1996, pp. 11-12) describe "informal guidelines" for evaluating decisions. These may be summarized as follows:

Is there a "shusher" in the group? If someone is trying to keep things quiet, there must be something to hide.
What would your Mom say?
How would you feel if your action were described on TV?
Would you use your decision as a marketing tool? Is this something to brag about?
Does your decision pass the smell test? Does your instinct tell you something is wrong?

Class Exercise

A group of talented students have gotten a research grant to develop a new
type of robotic arm.  Katy, an electrical engineer is the team leader. 
Doug, her boyfriend, is in charge of the software.  Roberto, a mechanical
engineer, has developed a new type of sensor for the arm and his
innovations have attracted the attention of engineers at NASA.

The students are enrolled in an independent study course so that they can
pursue their research.  The end of the term is approaching and their final
paper is due.  The arm is working well.  Doug has not had adequate time to
complete testing for the arm.  He knows his research supervisor will give
them a bad grade for not completing the testing so he has indicated in the
final report that it has been completed.  Roberto is furious!  He knows
the testing isn't done.  What should he do?

In small groups, analyze the scenario above using one of the decision making models given above. (Which model did you choose? Why?) Outline the steps you took in reaching a decision.