The purpose of this paper is to address the topic of the social responsibility and the scientist from a philosophical perspective. This is a (relatively) neglected topic, as philosophers have tended to focus on moral responsibility. Nevertheless, it is important, and timely.
Analytical, based on the author’s previous work. This is not an empirical study.
That it is essential for scientists to adopt a global outlook with respect to their social responsibilities. This is in (stark) contrast to the conclusion that would be reached for moral responsibility.
In addition to offering some concrete proposals (see below), a general approach to the question is offered that will be useful for further work.
Were the suggestions for socially responsible science put into practice, then this would entail a re-orientation of some parts of scientific research; for instance, a moratorium on weapons research.
The long-run social implications of not re-orienting science, for instance not to focus even more effort on climate change, will be negative in the extreme.
The social responsibility of science has always been important, but it is even more important today. By focussing on global responsibility, this paper offers a new approach.
