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Consideration of Ethics in Systemic Thinking

Author

Listed:
  • Nien-Tsu Tuan

    (University of Cape Town)

  • Corrinne Shaw

    (University of Cape Town)

Abstract

This paper probes the relationship between systemic thinking and ethics. A distinction is made between systemic thinking and systems thinking to illustrate debates around the ethical issues of tackling societal issues in a systemic way. Drawing on three prominent ethical theories, namely utilitarianism, deontological theory and virtue ethics, the argument that systemic thinking should embrace ethics is developed. This article suggests that systemic thinking fosters the virtue of toleration; defends the autonomous human right; and promotes good for the people in an equitable fashion.

Suggested Citation

  • Nien-Tsu Tuan & Corrinne Shaw, 2016. "Consideration of Ethics in Systemic Thinking," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 29(1), pages 51-60, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:syspar:v:29:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1007_s11213-015-9352-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s11213-015-9352-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Russell L. Ackoff, 1973. "Science in the Systems Age: Beyond IE, OR, and MS," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 21(3), pages 661-671, June.
    2. Mingers, John & White, Leroy, 2010. "A review of the recent contribution of systems thinking to operational research and management science," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 207(3), pages 1147-1161, December.
    3. ., 1998. "Expected Utility Theory," Chapters, in: John B. Davis & D. W. Hands & Uskali Mäki (ed.), The Handbook of Economic Methodology, chapter 35, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    4. Stephen M. Gardiner, 2010. "Ethics and climate change: an introduction," Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 1(1), pages 54-66, January.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Pamsy P. Hui & Warren C. K. Chiu & Elvy Pang & John Coombes & Doreen Y. P. Tse, 2022. "Seeing Through and Breaking Through: The Role of Perspective Taking in the Relationship Between Creativity and Moral Reasoning," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 180(1), pages 57-69, September.
    2. Nien-Tsu Tuan, 2022. "The Other Side of Success Factors—A Systemic Methodology for Exploring Critical Success Factors," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 35(3), pages 441-452, June.
    3. Masechaba Nthunya & Nien-Tsu Tuan & Corrinne Shaw & Ian Jay, 2017. "A Systemic Exploration of Lesotho’s Basic Education through Interactive Management," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 30(3), pages 257-276, June.
    4. Taggart, Gabel & Zenor, Jen, 2022. "Evaluation as a moral practice: The case of virtue ethics," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
    5. Vladislav Valentinov & Stefan Hielscher & Ingo Pies, 2016. "Emergence: A Systems Theory’s Challenge to Ethics," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 29(6), pages 597-610, December.
    6. Tendai Kanjanda & Nien-Tsu Tuan, 2020. "A Systemic Exploration of the Risk Factors in Zimbabwean Information Technology Projects," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 33(1), pages 77-93, February.

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