# A Systematic Review of Responsible Artificial Intelligence Principles and Practice
## 4 Finding 2: Foundations of Responsibility
It is grounded in the assumption that actors are capable of rational decision-making and are thus accountable for their actions, particularly when those actions affect others [47, 48]. Moral responsibility often underpins debates about blame, praise, and ethical obligation, especially in relation to harm or wrongdoing. Legal Responsibility: Legal responsibility pertains to obligations codified in laws and regulations. It involves liability for one's actions and the consequences thereof, as determined by judicial systems. Legal responsibility can be civil (e.g., breach of contract) or criminal (e.g., violating statutory laws), and it includes principles such as due process, negligence, and restitution [49]. Unlike moral responsibility, legal responsibility does not necessarily require intent; it may be assigned based on causation or strict liability. Social Responsibility: Social responsibility is the duty of individuals and organizations to act in ways that benefit society at large. This includes avoiding actions that could harm communities, the environment, or vulnerable populations. The concept has grown in prominence in discussions of environmental ethics, social equity, and sustainability [50]. Social responsibility often overlaps with civic ethics and global justice concerns, emphasising collective well-being. Professional Responsibility: Professional responsibility refers to the ethical and procedural duties associated with membership in a specific profession. It includes maintaining competence, following industry standards, respecting confidentiality, and acting with integrity. Professional bodies often articulate these responsibilities in codes of conduct or ethics [51]. Breaches can result in disciplinary action, including loss of licensure or reputation. Organizational Responsibility: Organizational or corporate responsibility reflects the idea that businesses and institutions are accountable not only to shareholders but also to employees, consumers, and society. This includes fulfilling economic goals while also attending to ethical labor practices, environmental impacts, and stakeholder interests [52, 53]. Corporate social responsibility frameworks, such as open standards for ethical AI deployment (environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria), formalize these expectations. Civic Responsibility: Civic responsibility encompasses the obligations of individuals and groups to contribute to the functioning and well-being of a democratic society. This includes voting, obeying laws, participating in civil discourse, and upholding public institutions [54]. Civic responsibility is rooted in the social contract and reflects the duties required for sustaining collective governance and shared rights. Economic Responsibility: Economic responsibility refers to the obligation of entities--individuals, businesses, or governments--to support economic stability, efficiency, and fairness. It includes duties like ensuring sustainable growth, fair competition, equitable labor practices, and responsible consumption [55]. In institutional contexts, economic responsibility often intersects with other domains, such as legal and corporate responsibility. Technological Responsibility: Technological responsibility involves the obligation to ensure that technological development and use are safe, secure, and aligned with societal values. This includes foreseeing potential risks, preventing misuse, and designing systems with care and foresight [56]. It emphasises both the creators' and users' responsibility to mitigate harm and ensure that innovation serves the public good. Technological responsibility is the first step towards responsible AI practice, but it works in combination with other categories given its ubiquitous nature and impact. These categories of responsibility apply to diverse societal contexts and institutional frameworks by defining obligations, assigning accountability, and shaping behavior at various levels. Each type of responsibility carries its own implications depending on the context in which it is applied.