Research Ethics

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

This course explores ethical issues related to scientific research. Students will learn about practical challenges faced by contemporary researchers and how philosophical concepts and ethical theories can help to clarify and resolve those challenges. Specific topics will vary by semester. Issues to be considered may include the nature and essential goals of scientific research, the relevance of social or moral values to the research enterprise, protection and inclusion of human research participants, acceptable uses of nonhuman animals in research, researchers’ distinctive virtues and vices, justice and fairness in the organization of science, and the social responsibilities of researchers and scientific institutions.