Practical Ethics

Race, N. and Randall, D. and Rouncefield, M. and Slack, R. (2019) Practical Ethics. In: Into the Wild : Beyond the Design Research Lab. Studies in Applied Philosophy, Epistemology and Rational Ethics . Springer, Cham, pp. 173-193. ISBN 9783030180188

Abstract

As ethical issues become increasingly important and problematic in research, this chapter reflects on our own investigations into some of the ethical considerations involved in long-term research ‘in the wild’. In particular, we consider two relevant issues: the effect of a long-term relationship with a community, and the delineation and relevance of ‘practical’ ethics in the process. What becomes clear from our interrogation of the data is that issues of responsibility, including those of how we identify what our responsibilities might be; who holds them; what they entail, and how we discharge them are matters of the negotiated order. In a context where research relationships ‘in the wild’ are predicated on lasting commitments, they are not, and cannot be, determined by the researchers alone. They evolve over time and in delicate relation to the needs and desires of our fellow research partners and participants—this is what ‘practical ethics’ entails.