1.7. Ethics in Science http://www.ck12.org
their impact in other ways. For example, they might turn down their thermostat in cold weather so their furnace
burns less fuel.
Summary
- Ethics refers to deciding what’s right and what’s wrong.
- Scientific investigations must be guided by ethical rules. The rules help ensure that science is done safely and
that scientific knowledge is reliable. - Sometimes science can help people make ethical decisions in their own lives, but other factors usually must
be considered as well.
Vocabulary
- ethics: Rules for deciding between right and wrong.
Explore More
Read this news article about a recent case of scientific fraud, and then answer the questions below.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/735354
- What ethical rules in science did the researchers violate?
- What were the negative consequences of their unethical behavior?
Review
- What is ethics?
- List two ethical rules in science.
- Think of a personal decision a young person might have to make. Identify the “rights” and “wrongs” of
possible choices, and explain which choice you think is more ethical.