Ethics in Science

Abstract

Ethics are a set of moral principles and values a civilized society follows. Doing science with principles of ethics is the bedrock of scientific activity. The society trusts that the results and the projected outcome of any scientific activity is based on an honest and conscientious attempt by the scientific community. However, during the last few decades, there has been an explosion of knowledge and the advent of digital age. We can access the publications of competitors with just a ''click''. The evaluation parameters have evolved a lot and are based on impact factors, h-index and citations. There is a general feeling that the scientific community is under a lot of pressure for fulfilling the criteria for upward growth and even retention of the positions held. The noble profession of scientific research and academics has been marred by the temptation to falsify and fabricate data, plagiarism and other unethical practices. Broadly speaking, the breach of ethics involves: plagiarism, falsification of data, redundant (duplicate) publication, drawing far-fetched conclusions without hard data, for early publicity, gift authorship (receiving as well as giving), not giving sufficient attention and consideration to scholars and post-docs as per the norms, self promotion at the cost of team-members, treating colleagues (overall all juniors) in a feudal way and Machiavellianism (cunningness and duplicity in general conduct and push to positions of power and pelf). Misconduct in Indian academics and science is also under a lot of focus. It is important and urgent that science, engineering, and health departments and institutions in our country have in place systems for education and training in pursuit of science with ethics by sound and professional courses in Responsible Conduct of Research. All research and academic institution must have the Office of Ethics for information, guidelines, training and professional oversight of conduct of research with the ethos and ethics of research.

The Development and Validation of an Instrument of Prospective Science Teachers’ Perceptions of Scientific Literacy

“…In Indonesia, most lecturers and researchers at various universities have understood and considered the importance of research ethics committees, although there is still misunderstanding about the tasks and functions (Fourianalistyawati et al, 2018). Scientific research and academia are often tainted by data fabrication, plagiarism, and other unethical practices (Sharma, 2015). The lack of standard ethical standards as a guide for conducting research is also a dilemma for scientists (Fouka & Mantzorou, 2011).…”

Scientific Misconduct, Kuhnian Scientific Revolutions and Scientific Ethics.

“…It is impossible to prove or disprove a "Kuhnian Paradigm" or "Popperian Theory" via Data fabrication and Data Falsification. Feyerabed and Kuhn's concept of "incommensurabilty" [18,19] The Scientific Research Communities in U.S.A, Canada, Europe, and elsewhere must wake up or they will be forced to act in ways that contravene the tradition of openness, fairness and impartiality that are ingrained in the Scientific Research Enterprise by the politicians and other interested groups.…”

Plagiarism and Academic Integrity in Science

“…По определению Т. Bertram Gallant и М. Kalichman [52], выявление одного случая плагиата в учебном заведении указывает на то, что данная проблема носит более масштабный характер и отражает истинное состояние науки во всем университете. Исходя из данного определения, современная наука требует глобального и всестороннего подхода к борьбе с плагиатом, когда обучаться принципам академической добросовестности в первую очередь должны консультанты, ученые, рецензенты, редакторы и эксперты по науке при правительстве страны, опыт которых будет служить примером студентам и аспирантам [53].…”