Ethics in Science: The Unique Consequences of Chemistry
This article discusses the ethical issues unique to the science and practice of chemistry. These issues arise from chemistry’s position in the middle between the theoretical and the practical, a science concerned with molecules that are of the right size to directly affect human life. Many of the issues are raised by the central activity of chemistry––synthesis. Chemists make thousands of new substances each year. Many are beneficial, but others are threats. Since the development of the chemical industry in the nineteenth century, chemistry has contributed to the deterioration of the environment but has also helped to reduce pollution. Finally, we discuss the role of codes of ethics and whether the current codes of conduct for chemists are adequate for the challenges of today’s world.
The Ethical and Social Dimensions of Chemistry: Reflections, Considerations, and Clarifications.
"Ethics in Chemistry" is a huge topic with various viewpoints and arguments on what it actually is and what compliance to ethical guidelines and participation in ethical discourse imply, covering principles of science and research ethics, profession ethics, and technology ethics. Overview and clarity are lost easily. The authors-members of the recently formed EuCheMS working party "Ethics in Chemistry"-present an attempt to collect and sort the ethically relevant aspects and challenges that chemists see themselves confronted with. Based on this list, strategies for ethical action are outlined. On the one hand, there are those issues that are a matter of compliance to existing guidelines and standards. On the other hand, there are those conflicts that arise at the intersection of science, technology and society and that need engaged chemists participating in the larger discourse for sustainability. This Editorial attempts to point out why this is important and what chemists can do in particular.
The technology transfer dilemma: Preserving morally responsible education in a utilitarian entrepreneurial academic culture
‘Research, teaching, and service’ is growing to include business. With unbridled enthusiasm, academicians bring discoveries to market instead of having them sit fallow in the public domain. Dilemmas have emerged. Academic scientists underwrite their work with public funds and employ a utilitarian labor force, namely, students seeking an education. The benefits from a successful business are significantly higher than in academic ventures, so the temptation increases to abrogate professional responsibilities and loyalties in favor of personal gain. Safeguards are needed for the institution and its students while simultaneously permitting the development of scientifically, socially, and economically important discoveries.