Ethical Aspects of Multi-stakeholder Recommendation Systems

Abstract

This article analyses the ethical aspects of multi-stakeholder recommendation systems (RSs). Following the most common approach in the literature, we assume a consequentialist framework to introduce the main concepts of multi-stakeholder recommendation. We then consider three research questions: who are the stakeholders in a RS? How are their interests taken into account when formulating a recommendation? And, what is the scientific paradigm underlying RSs? Our main finding is that multi-stakeholder RSs (MRSs) are designed and theorised, methodologically, according to neoclassical welfare economics. We consider and reply to some methodological objections to MRSs on this basis, concluding that the multi-stakeholder approach offers the resources to understand the normative social dimension of RSs.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Ethics, Multistakeholder Recommendation, Recommender Systems, Recommender Systems Ontology, Recommender Systems and Welfare, Social Aspects of Recommendation