Abstract:
In this paper we explore an analogy between design and ethics, first drawn
by Whitbeck. We investigate her claim that such an analogy can help to
understand moral problems and aid us in dealing with them by suggesting
strategies for addressing moral problems. We explore the nature of
analogies, and extract criteria for what constitutes a 'good' analogy. We
use some of the established knowledge about design and design reasoning
to consider critically and to extend Whitbeck's design analogy. We
establish the practical merits of the design analogy in a thought
experiment, solving a moral problem in a manner that is closely modelled
on a design method. Our conclusions include suggestions for further
research and a fledgling vision of the future role of design methodology.
We propose that the design analogy could be fruitful in shedding light on
problem solving in various areas of human endeavour not traditionally
associated with design.
