Ethics in Relation to Research - Part 1

When scientists perform research and experiments, there are many instances where ethics comes into play. According to the Oxford Dictionary, ethics can be defined as “moral principles that govern a person’s behavior or the conduct of an activity.” Ethics in science can be displayed in multiple ways, either as a perspective, method, or a series of steps. For instance, the perspective of global warming might be different for an environmental ethicist and an economist when analyzing their current problem.

Applying ethics spiked after World War 2, when many cases were reported of abuse and medical experiments without consent in concentration camps. After this realization, many codes and conducts were established, expanding public health ethics, research ethics, and clinical ethics. 

There are many reasons why ethical norms are important to abide by. Following norms prevents fabricating or misrepresenting data that can keep researchers accountable. It also ensures that federal policies are put in place to protect human subjects, reduce misconduct, and animal care. These scenarios can be found in the research of human embryonic stem cell research, genetic engineering, or cloning, which “require ethical reflection and deliberation.” 

Some examples include nonmaleficence and autonomy, which are ethical obligations that doctors and surgeons have to abide by, among others. Nonmaleficence states that no patient must be killed, in any form of suffering, or deprived of “the goods of life.” Autonomy is simply when the physician informs the patient of all medical information and confidentiality. 

References:

Oxford Learning College. Ethics Versus Morals - What’s the Difference? | Critical Thinking [Internet]. Oxford Learning College. Available from: https://www.oxfordcollege.ac/news/ethics-versus-morals/#:~:text=The%20Oxford%20Dictionary%20definition%20of 

Resnik D. What Is Ethics in Research & Why Is It important? [Internet]. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. 2020. Available from: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/bioethics/whatis 

Varkey B. Principles of Clinical Ethics and Their Application to Practice. Medical Principles and Practice [Internet]. 2021 Feb;30(1):17–28. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7923912/