|
The days when biologists could concern
themselves with doing "just science" are in the past.
Today, whatever activity biologists do, they are likely to face
questions that raise ethical concerns as well as scientific ones.
In our ethics program, students and scientists explore ethical issues
that confront scientists in general and conservation biologists
in specific.
1) Our four "Ethics Workshops" include presentations
by outside speakers, some videos, readings, and discussion groups
in four different areas:
| |
a) |
ethical conduct in research, |
| |
b) |
ethical use of animals
in research, |
| |
c) |
ethical issues in science
technology, and |
| |
d) |
conservation and advocacy. |
2) Students are introduced to conservation ethics (e.g., Muir's
preservationist ethic, Pinchot's resource management ethic, Leopold's
eco-evolutionary ethic) through readings, videos and informal discussion
groups.
3) Students are also introduced to the diverse ethics and
philosophies of selected professional, conservation, and other organizations.
Some of these might include both non-governmental organizations,
such the World Wildlife Fund, The Nature Conservancy, the Sierra
Club, the Audubon Society, the Humane Society of America, People
for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and governmental agencies,
such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection.
4) Each student will also choose one ethical issue pertinent
to his/her research project, then prepare a brief presentation on
what he or she believes is the best ethical response to that dilemma.
|
|
|
 |
