Ethical Decision-Making Framework

Walk through a structured process to analyse AI ethical scenarios and generate a documented decision.

Step 1: Define the Scenario

Describe the AI-related decision or scenario you want to analyse, or select a sample scenario below.

Scenario Description

Step 2: Identify Stakeholders

List all individuals and groups who could be affected by this decision. Consider direct users, indirect beneficiaries, vulnerable populations, and society at large.

Stakeholders (one per line)

Step 3: Assess Risks & Benefits

For the scenario described, identify the potential benefits and risks for each stakeholder group.

Potential Benefits Potential Risks

Step 4: Apply Ethical Principles

Select which ethical principles are relevant to this scenario and note how they apply.

Fairness — Does this scenario risk discriminating against any group? Transparency — Can affected parties understand how the AI makes decisions? Accountability — Is it clear who is responsible for the AI's outcomes? Privacy — Does this involve collection or use of personal data? Beneficence — Do the benefits outweigh the potential harms? Human Agency — Do humans retain meaningful control over the decision?

Notes on how these principles apply

Step 5: Consider Alternatives

What alternative approaches could better satisfy the ethical requirements? Think about different technical approaches, safeguards, or process changes.

Alternative Approaches

Step 6: Make Your Decision

Based on your analysis, what is the most ethically sound course of action? Document your reasoning.

Your Decision Monitoring & Review Plan