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Web version of a press release issued on 5th September 2001 by SGR
On the eve of Science Year, Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR[1]) launches its new booklet 'An Ethical Career in Science and Technology?' and challenges UK Science to take much greater responsibility for the consequences of its work
UK science and technology is dominated by commerce, much of which is arguably inconsistent with goals of social justice and environmental sustainability e.g. arms development and manufacture, fossil fuel extraction, increasing aircraft and car use, and intensive agriculture. With the launch of 'An Ethical Career in Science and Technology?' SGR is trying to encourage a shift in the direction and thinking of UK science and engineering.
Dr. Stuart Parkinson, Chair of Scientists for Global Responsibility said: "Too much of the scientific agenda is decided by narrow commercial and military interests, whilst ethical concerns are sidelined. With 'An Ethical Career in Science and Technology?' SGR is furthering its mission of making ethics an integral and high profile aspect of science, and calls on the UK government to likewise reflect this in its Science Year project."
The support for such a shift is reflected by the prominence of the contributors to the booklet, who include:
The need for such a shift is also evident in interviews reported in the booklet with scientists who have had to deal with ethical problems in their work:
"In the end I can't see how true scientists can serve two masters: the search for truth and pursuit of profit." (Edward Milner, P.9)
The booklet discusses the wider ethical concerns of employment, and how to deal with ethical dilemmas that may arise, as well as more specific issues such as genetics, climate change, arms, militarisation of space, animal experiments, cleaner technology, information technology, sustainability, and science funding. It also provides views and comments given in a number of interviews with scientists who have encountered moral dilemmas in their work.
Download the booklet from the SGR web site at www.sgr.org.uk/ethics.html . Printed copies are available from the SGR office - contact details below[2]. Copies will also be distributed to all Careers Offices and Student Unions in Universities across the UK.
Scientists for Global Responsibility would like to thank the organisations whose funding made this guide possible: Cobb Charity; Friends Provident Life Office; Polden Puckham Charitable Foundation; the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust; the Martin Ryle Trust; and the Scurrah Wainwright Charity.
Notes:
[1] Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR) is an independent UK organisation of scientists committed to the ethical use of science and technology.
[2] To order a printed copy of the booklet, please write to: SGR, PO BOX 473, FOLKESTONE, CT20 1GS or e-mail: sgr@gn.apc.org. The booklet is free to students and SGR members, £5 (+ £1 p&p) to others. Review copies/rates for bulk orders are available on request.
For further information contact Dr Stuart Parkinson, Chair (Tel 07941 953640) or Dr Phil Webber, Vice-Chair (Tel 07929 827322) or Dr Alan Cottey (01508 492464) or if they are unavailable, contact SGR press rep. Jan Tari (Tel 07798 523 534), or email pressoffice@sgr.org.uk
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