Soziologie

ABSTRACT:
Empirical approaches advance living ethics by empowering agents to more deeply understand the nature of moral problems, explore viable pathways for solutions, and make decisions in real-world contexts. Qualitative methods are often applied in ethics research to provide a greater understanding of subjective experiences that help inform the basis for action centering on the moral lives of people. This chapter describes why and how quantitative and mixed methods research can be brought forth to foster greater deliberation, moral co-learning, and co-development of solutions in different spheres of moral action. Quantitative approaches help surface the magnitude of moral problem situations, identify which groups are affected, and examine potential causes and interventions. Mixed methods integrate quantitative and qualitative traditions, drawing on the strengths of each to enhance applicability, robustness, and comprehensiveness. When the full diversity of empirical methodologies is drawn upon for living ethics research, moral problems can be examined from multiple perspectives that can inform learning, dialogue, and decision-making. This chapter additionally describes how participatory processes facilitate quantitative and mixed methods research, where those whose lives are impacted by the moral problem transform from passive to active agents of ascribing meaning, co-learning, and empowerment for change.

REFERENCE:
Sattler, S., Pahwa, M. (2025): Quantitative and mixed methods research for living ethics. Pp. 87-108, in: Racine, E., Inguaggiato, G., Metselaar, S., Saso-Baudaux, G., Favron-Godbout, C., D’Anjou, B. (eds): Living Ethics in Theory and Practice. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003597599-8