Technology assessment and the 'ethical matrix'

Schroeder, Doris orcid iconORCID: 0000-0002-3633-2758 and Palmer, Clare (2003) Technology assessment and the 'ethical matrix'. Poiesis & Praxis: International Journal of Technology Assessment and Ethics of Science, 1 (4). pp. 295-307. ISSN 1615-6609

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10202-003-0027-4

Abstract

This paper explores the usefulness of the ‘ethical matrix’, proposed by Ben Mepham, as a tool in technology assessment, specifically in food ethics. We consider what the matrix is, how it might be useful as a tool in ethical decisionmaking, and what drawbacks might be associated with it. We suggest that it is helpful for fact-finding in ethical debates relating to food ethics; but that it is
much less helpful in terms of weighing the different ethical problems that it uncovers. Despite this drawback, we maintain that, with some modifications, the ethical matrix can be a useful tool in debates in food ethics. We argue that useful modifications might be to include future generations amongst the stakeholders in the matrix, and to substitute the principle of solidarity for the principle of justice.


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