Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1002/mcda.288
Title (Primary) Reflections on ethics and MCA in environmental decisions
Author Rauschmayer, F.
Source Titel Journal of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis
Year 2001
Department OEKON; OEKUS
Volume 10
Issue 2
Page From 65
Page To 74
Language englisch
Keywords environment; ethics
Abstract The aim of decision analysis is normative. Consequently, at least in public spheres, one has to reflect on its normative foundation. Multi-criteria analysis (MCA) uses aggregated evaluations on several criteria to recommend a decision. The claim for the adequacy of the recommended solution is usually based on the assumption that the interests of the decision-maker(s) are adequately assessed by the MC model (see, for example, Munda G. 1996. Cost–benefit analysis in integrated environmental assessment: some methodological issues. Ecological Economics19: 157–168). I argue that as a prerequisite to a normative foundation, the criteria have to reflect not only the interests but possibly all values stemming from normative arguments of the decision-maker(s). These arguments might differ substantially from each other. This is especially true for environmental decisions. The integration of values will result in changes of the MCA understanding, criteria building, and aggregation method, and will not be possible without analytical capacities of the decision analyst in ethics.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=6699
Rauschmayer, F. (2001):
Reflections on ethics and MCA in environmental decisions
J. Multi-Crit. Decis. Anal. 10 (2), 65 - 74 10.1002/mcda.288