Technology and Ethics (moral, moral, verse, reform)

[Tau]

I argue that in scientific research and development there must be a universal code of ethics, and a covenant that all scientists must swear to, much like the hippocratic oath that practioners of medicine are supposed to take.

I think the objective of a scientific covenant must be to protect humanity as a whole...

Thus for example the development of Viruses for warfare purposes, or preforming risky experiments that could have catastrophic consequences, would both be forbidden by the covenant, as they could be lethal if things go 'wrong' or that the very nature of the research is murderous, however the threat manifests...

I would not want to see a retardation of technological progress, I just think some types of research are simply morally and logically bankrupt for various reasons and that they all in various ways represent threats to the stability and future of our species.

This 'covenant' would be very hard to enforce I imagine, especially with arms manufacturers and fossil fuel developers in particular, may as well include the private sector as a whole....

Could we interpret the suffering of the animals used in biotech research as detremental to the well being and future stability of humanity?

All good cars have effective brakes...just a thought that popped in me head.

Any thoughts people?

[Tau]

Feel free to say what you think, I am looking for ideas here!

Basically I just think we should as scientists be able to say 'whoa hold on a sec'...not just leave it to freethinking non scientists to recognise the danger and act on it.

[crystalonyx]

Originally Posted by Tau

Feel free to say what you think, I am looking for ideas here!

Basically I just think we should as scientists be able to say 'whoa hold on a sec'...not just leave it to freethinking non scientists to recognise the danger and act on it.

Unnfortunately, bottom line performance generally trumps ethical considerations.

[Tau]

Originally Posted by crystalonyx

Unnfortunately, bottom line performance generally trumps ethical considerations.

Indeed.

The prime suspects here then could be ambition and glory, scientists are not so bothered about money generally except for research/grant purposes...or is it just private companies pushing scientists as hard as they can?

[Popeyesays]

It's the nature of man to seek answers to questions about the universe around us. I don't think that nature can be changed beneficially.

What do we do with thowse answers when we have found them? That's where ethics come in.

The question of greater good is something we have to deal with. Did we in the US deal with the ethics of stem cell research reasonably? No, not really. Are we dealing well with changing our environment? Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

[Tau]

Originally Posted by Popeyesays

It's the nature of man to seek answers to questions about the universe around us. I don't think that nature can be changed beneficially.

I agree.

Originally Posted by Popeyesays

The question of greater good is something we have to deal with.

I think so, I really do, we become more powerful and yet no wiser...

[Bouncing Ball]

I think progress comes from ignoring the "'whoa hold on a sec'..."..
But then, I care less for the greater good than you do

[Tau]

Originally Posted by Bouncing Ball

I think progress comes from ignoring the "'whoa hold on a sec'..."..
But then, I care less for the greater good than you do

The long term viability of unfettered research and rapid technological progress is questionable, our science is evolving quicker than we are, is technology to become our master/destroyer or our tool for survival?

I am sure that you understand even if you do not empathise, of course you know, you are included in the greater good