Types of Ethical frameworks

The various types of ethical frameworks are classified as follows:

1. Value-based Frameworks: Value-based frameworks focus on fundamental ethical principles and values guiding decision- making.
   They can be further classified into three categories:
   1. Rights-based: An ethical approach that prioritizes and protects the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, ensuring that actions do not violate these rights. It focuses on protection of human rights and dignity (मर्यादा), valuing human life over other considerations.
      For Example -
      *A school ensuring girls have equal access to education as boys.
      *A hospital obtaining informed consent before surgery.
      *Allowing free speech even if you disagree with the opinion.
   
   
   2. Utility-based: An ethical approach that seeks to maximize overall happiness or benefit, choosing the action that produces the greatest good for the greatest number. It focuses on the actions based on the principle of maximizing utility or overall good, aiming to achieve outcomes that offer the greatest benefit and minimize the harm.
      For Example -
      *Use of AI applications against the risks they pose to society, such as job displacement or privacy concerns.
      *Building a public park in a crowded city for community recreation.
      *Switching to renewable energy to reduce pollution and improve public health.
      *Governments imposing lockdowns during a pandemic to protect public health, even if it inconveniences some.
   
   
   3. Virtue-based: An ethical approach that emphasizes the development and practice of moral virtues, focusing on what a morally good person would do in a given situation. It focuses on the character and intentions of the individuals involved in decision-making.
      For Example -
      *A teacher staying after school to help struggling students without extra pay.
      *A student returning a lost wallet with all money intact, demonstrating integrity and kindness.
      *An employee returning excess salary accidentally credited to their account.
      *A leader admitting a mistake publicly instead of blaming others.
      *A journalist refusing to publish unverified news, showing responsibility and honesty.
2. Sector-based Frameworks: Sector-based ethical frameworks are designed for specific industries or professional fields. It addresses issues such as privacy, data security, and the ethical use of AI in decision-making. It may apply to domains such as Medical, finance, education, transportation, agriculture, governance, law enforcement, etc.
   1. Bioethics: Bioethics is an ethical framework used as primary domain of application in healthcare and life sciences. It deals with ethical issues related to health, medicine, and biological sciences, ensuring that AI applications in healthcare adhere (पालन करना) to ethical standards and considerations.
      Principles of Bioethics:
      • Respect for Autonomy (किसी व्यक्ति के अपने जीवन से जुड़े निर्णय स्वयं लेने के अधिकार को सम्मान देना।)
      • Do not harm
      • Ensure maximum benefit for all
      • Give justice to all