Ethical Considerations in Evaluation

Abstract

The aim of this article is to explain one way of viewing the nature of and relationships among morality or ethics, rationality, politics, and evaluation. In order to tie these things together, the author provides brief accounts of social indicators, knowledge, and objectivity. First, the ideas of a moral point of view and moral or ethical actions are explained. Next, an account is given of social indicators of the quality of life, which are necessary ingredients in the definition of moral action. The Canadian Evaluation Society's sketch of the nature of evaluation is reviewed in order to have a generally more acceptable and clear concept to connect to moral and rational action. On the basis of this sketch, rational action is explained, followed by explanations of rational and ethical evaluation. Finally, the fundamental limitations of the analysis of morality are discussed and brief conclusions are drawn. (French abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)