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Molecular geneticists and moral responsibility: “maybe if we were working on the atom bomb I would have a different argument”

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Abstract

Senior molecular geneticists were interviewed about their perceptions of the ethical and social implications of genetic knowledge. Inductive analysis of these interviews identified a number of strategies through which the scientists negotiated their moral responsibilities as they participated in generating knowledge that presents difficult ethical questions. These strategies included: further analysis and application of scientific method; clarification of multiple roles; negotiation with the public through public debate, institutional processes of funding, ethics committees and legislation; and personal responsibility.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Public Health and General Practice, Christchurch School of Medicine, PO Box 43 45, Christchurch, New Zealand

    Barbara Nicholas Ph.D.

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  1. Barbara Nicholas Ph.D.
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Nicholas, B. Molecular geneticists and moral responsibility: “maybe if we were working on the atom bomb I would have a different argument”. SCI ENG ETHICS 5, 515–530 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-999-0052-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-999-0052-3

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