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Decisions taken by an individual may not only affect the individual, but also impact several others related to
the individual. This is true for organisations too, where a single decision can impact all employees and other
stakeholders involved with the organisation. Thus, it is important to take good decisions. But, how do we decide
between a wrong or right decision? How can we decide whether a decision taken is good or bad?
Many ethicists have suggested a variety of different options that help us to differentiate between right and
wrong. The six different lenses that help us perceive ethical dimensions are as follows:
u Utilitarianism: Utilitarianism is a result-based approach that focuses on the consequences of actions,
emphasising that the best action is the one that maximises overall happiness or minimises suffering for the
largest number of people. It requires an accurate determination or analysis of the likelihood of a particular
result and its impact. For example, the government decides to send a larger rescue force to a more densely
populated area during an earthquake to rescue maximum number of people.
u Deontology: Deontological ethics uses rules to distinguish right from wrong, independent of their
consequences. It emphasises duties, rules, and obligations, suggesting that people follow the rules and do
their duty, even if it may seem to harm some people. For example, you see your friend cheating in an exam
and you report the act to the teacher, as cheating in exam is bad and should not be done.
u Virtue Ethics: Virtue ethics is the moral philosophy that emphasises the moral character of a person,
rather than rules or consequences. It suggests that ethical behaviour comes from developing virtuous
characteristics like honesty, courage, and compassion and acting in accordance with them. For example,
you forget to complete an assignment on time as you were busy playing computer games. Instead of making
an excuse or lie to the teacher, you choose to be honest and tell the truth and own up to your mistake.

u Care Ethics: Care ethics is primarily response-focused as it focuses on the importance of interpersonal
relationships and the context of care. It emphasises empathy, compassion, and emotional connections
rather than strictly rational calculations of harm and benefit, making it particularly relevant in addressing
issues like gender, race, etc. For example, a teacher provides extra classes to struggling students, though he
may not get extra pay for the same, showing compassion and care towards the students.

u Justice Ethics: Justice ethics are fairness-based ethics, that emphasise equality, fairness, and justice in
decision-making. These are aimed at ensuring that all are treated equally and justly, without favouritism
or bias, and are given same opportunities and rights. This tries to ensure fair distribution of resources,
opportunities, and benefits, without any bias of gender, religion, caste, region, or beliefs. For example, a
school gives admission to students based on their performance in a standardised entrance exam, rather
than giving preference to marks secured in previous examination. Thus, they eliminate biases of income,
religion, and caste and provide equal opportunity to all students for admission.
u Rights-based Ethics: Rights-based ethics focus on upholding the fundamental rights of individuals,
irrespective of situation or circumstances. It recognises that an individual has basic rights that must be
respected and protected and cannot be violated by others or the state. For example, an individual has the
right to speech and can voice his/her opinions, even if they may create a controversy, or go against ideas
and policies of the current regime.

Knowledge Botwledge Bot
Kno
Ethical frameworks enhance an organisation’s reputation, making it more appealing to consumers and
partners.

Need of Ethical Frameworks for AI

Artificial Intelligence is an accepted technological breakthrough and will shape the future. Similar to any other
technology, AI has its share of supporters and detractors. An Ethical Framework for AI is vital to address the
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