Discourse ethics in the design of educational systems: considerations for design praxis

Abstract

AbstractDiscourse ethics, as related to design conversation, is a primary factor in the conceptions, decisions, and actions undertaken in the systems design processes. Considerations for what is ethical as well as who determines the system of ethics that guide the design of a human activity system are questions that must be addressed. In this paper, the author examines the importance of discourse ethics in the design of educational systems, situating ethicality within the conversational nature of social systems design. The author first discusses the ethical responsibility of educational systems design. Second, the author explores design conversation as an ethical human activity system. The author then examines discourse ethics and ethical discourse, concluding with an examination of design praxis as a stance taken by the user–designer who engages critically, reflectively, and intentionally in an inquiry that belongs intrinsically to a project of self‐understanding—realize the individual and social ‘self’ through authentic engagements. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.