Development ethics

Development ethics considers the ethical and value issues arising in development theory, policy and practice, including what are good and bad development, what should be considered benefits and costs, and why development cannot be equated to economic growth. It looks at implications of the interconnections and in-built conflicts in socio-economic development: many people can become harmed, made to bear costs without sharing in benefits. It seeks to identify and support better alternatives. Practically oriented development ethics looks at how and which values are or can be incorporated in systems of research, policy, laws, social routines and participation, codes of responsibilities, and public and individual actions.