Ethics, Values and Morality in Contemporary Library Classifications

摘要

This paper explores the ethics of classification. The paper outlines recent conceptual moves in knowledge organization research and shows that contemporary classification theory is based on a pragmatic understanding of the world. It suggests that unjust statements and assumptions about the world challenge contemporary library classifications and that a proper response is needed. It outlines a framework tor the development of ethical classifications based on Maclntyre's practice-based ethical theory. It provides a framework within which editors and managers of library classifications can make ethically sound decisions.