Question
Is scientific ethics a special case?

1. Does science need its own set of specialized ethical principles?
   
2. What basis is there for the belief that scientists acquire special rights and responsibilities that fall outside the domain of ordinary morality?
   
3. What arguments are there against such an assertion?

Suggestions

• Here's a possible starting point:
  Pimple K (2002). Six Domains of Research Ethics. Science and Engineering Ethics 8:191-205.
• Or another more general starting point:
  Research Ethics Primer, by Nell Kriesberg (2003).
• Survey scientific literature for articles on scientific ethics.
  Try:
  
  • PubMed: Go to NCBI, click on PubMed
    
  • Web of Science: Go to VCU Library, click on W, then Web of Science
• Many articles you find will be on line or in the library... read a couple!
• Surf the web (but beware!)

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