Ethics in the Natural Sciences

Starter: match up the key terms to enlighten yourself of the concepts and ideas in ethics.

Objective: explore ethical issues in the Natural Sciences.

Outcomes:

Should scientific research be subject to ethical constraints or is the pursuit of all scientific knowledge intrinsically worthwhile?

You will look at one of these articles before discussing in a microlab.

All Those 23andMe Spit Tests Were Part of a Bigger PlanCEO Anne Wojcicki wants to make drugs using insights from millions of customer DNA samples, and doesn’t think that should bother anyone.

Is it right to use Nazi research if it can save lives?From the Apollo rockets to new drugs to treat HIV, some scientific advances are obtained in dubious ways. Should we make peace with using their findings?

SHARE: the first person in the group (of 3 people) shares their answer for 2 minutes. The other group members listen attentively WITHOUT COMMENT or INTERRUPTION.

PAUSE: for 30 seconds in SILENCE to take in what was said.

REPEAT: for persons 2 & 3 in the group, as above.

DISCUSS: as a group 5-10 minutes, referencing the comments that have been made and making CONNECTIONS between the response of the group.

Extension watching: if you have time, this is worth a watch...

3. Are the results of these studies valid? How might we make a judgement on validity and why might that matter? Pick one....

Climate sceptic thinktank received funding from fossil fuel interestsExclusive: Global Warming Policy Foundation has led the backlash against UK government’s net zero policy

Big Tobacco led throat doctors to blow smoke

Big Pharma & Clinical Trials - Funding, Influence & CorruptionBig Pharma pays for the majority of clinical trials, and some experts believe companies may influence trial results by putting profits before people.

PLENARY: journal your thoughts on "the impact of ethics on the discovery of knowledge in the natural sciences".

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