Toward an horizon in design ethics.

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of Design
• Ethics in Design
• Sartrean Existentialism

Background:

• Traditional design ethics often relies on deontology, teleology, and virtue ethics.
• This paper proposes expanding these frameworks by incorporating Sartrean Existentialism.
• The relevance of existentialist philosophy to design practice is underexplored.

Discussion:

• Sartrean Existentialism, focusing on individual freedom and responsibility, offers a unique ethical lens.
• Analysis of four core Sartrean concepts demonstrates their applicability to design ethics.
• The paper examines how this philosophy addresses professional engagement and decision-making in design.

Key Insights:

• Sartrean Existentialism provides a fundamental and concrete ethical understanding for designers.
• It offers a robust philosophical grounding for addressing ethical dilemmas in design practice.
• The absolute freedom central to Sartre's philosophy directly impacts design responsibility.

Outlook:

• Integrating existentialist ethics can enrich contemporary design practice.
• Further research can explore specific applications of Sartrean ethics in diverse design fields.
• This perspective empowers designers to confront ethical challenges with greater philosophical depth.