Abstract

Some would argue that principles and ethics for official statistics are to be understood as universal, applying anywhere in the world—any country, any political system, and any cultural environment. Yet, some others would argue that these principles would need to be adapted to national circumstances, to fit the national political and cultural environment, which might be enshrined in national laws and institutions or in often very powerful unwritten traditions and modi operandi.

The IPS will address whether statistical principles and ethics as conceptual entities should be adjusted to national/political/cultural circumstances. The discussion will delve into the reasons for arguing for a set (or version) of official statistics principles and ethics instead of another. In this context, the discussion may address the nature of these principles and ethics and their ‘production’ or ‘discovery’. Connections with historical, sociological, philosophical and scientific perspectives could potentially be explored. The IPS will also discuss whether codifications/formulations of principles and ethics available internationally are already subject to such limits and modifications catering to political/political/cultural constraints. The IPS will finally aim to discuss recommendations for future action on thinking about, on formulating/codifying, and on applying principles and ethics for official statistics around the world.