Education in the responsible conduct of research

Typically takes the form of online instructions about rules, regulations, and policies. Research Ethics takes a novel approach and emphasizes the art of philosophical decision-making.

Part A

Introduces egoism and explains that it is in the individual's own interest to avoid misconduct, fabrication of data, plagiarism and bias.

Part B

Explains contractualism and covers issues of authorship, peer review and responsible use of statistics.

Part C

Introduces moral rights as the basis of informed consent, the use of humans in research, mentoring, intellectual property and conflicts of interests.

Part D

Uses two-level utilitarianism to explore the possibilities and limits of the experimental use of animals, duties to the environment and future generations, and the social responsibilities of researchers.

This book brings a fresh perspective to research ethics and will engage the moral imaginations of graduate students in all disciplines.