Ad Hoc Ethics
Ad Hoc Ethics refers to an informal, case-by-case approach to ethical decision-making in technology development, where ethical considerations are addressed reactively as issues arise rather than through a systematic, proactive framework. It involves applying moral principles and reasoning to specific situations, often without predefined rules or guidelines, to navigate dilemmas such as privacy, bias, or safety in software and systems. This approach is common in fast-paced environments where ethical concerns emerge unexpectedly during development or deployment.
Developers should learn Ad Hoc Ethics to handle ethical challenges that arise in real-time during projects, such as when dealing with user data, algorithmic fairness, or unintended consequences of code, ensuring responsible innovation without slowing down progress. It is particularly useful in startups, agile teams, or when working with emerging technologies like AI, where formal ethical frameworks may not yet exist or be applicable. However, it should be complemented with more structured approaches to avoid inconsistency and oversight in ethical practices.