Beyond Duty and Virtue in Design Ethics

The article discusses ethics for designers, in the context of various philosophical traditions. The categorical imperative theory of duty, promulgated by the philosopher Immanuel Kant, is contrasted with the classical conception of virtue set forth by the philosopher Aristotle. These are said to compose the foundational principles of most standard codes of business ethics. The existentialist ethics of the philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, described in his book "Being and Nothingness," are also described. These are said to be a more suitable touchstone for professional ethics in the field of design, since Sartre portrays ethical choice as a creative act.