GoodWork Paper 2: The Ethical Responsibilities of Professionals (PDF)

Author(s): Howard Gardner

Editor(s): Jeff Solomon, Series Editor

Media: PDF

Description: Science—indeed, scholarship more generally—is morally neutral. It represents the best efforts of human beings to provide reliable answers to questions that fascinate us: Who are we? What is the world made of? But what happens when these questions are answered? Sometimes, the answers simply satisfy human curiosity—an important and valid goal. But at other times they lead to concrete actions—some inspiring, some dreadful. Today, we encounter an impasse. On the one hand, science and innovation proceed apace, ever conquering new frontiers. On the other hand, traditional restraints against wanton experimentation or abuse appear to be tenuous. Must we leave events to chance, or are there ways to pursue science and education—and, more broadly, professional life—in a responsible way? Enter the ethical responsibilities of a professional. This paper argues that a new covenant must be formed between professionals and the society in which they live. Society makes it possible for scientific professionals to proceed with their work—by the funding of science as well as by cooperation in its execution. In return, scientists must take on an additional task: they must relinquish the once-justifiable claim that they have no responsibility for applications, and undertake a good faith effort to make sure that the fruits of science are applied wisely, not foolishly. So it must be for all professionals.