Logical Reasoning

PT125 · S2 · Q12 Ethicist: Although science is frequently

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Ethicist: Although science is frequently said to be morally neutral, it has a traditional value system of its own.

Given

Although science is frequently said to be morally neutral, it has a traditional value system of its own.

For example, scientists sometimes foresee that a line of theoretical research they are pursuing will yield applications that could seriously harm people, animals, or the environment.

Yet, according to science's traditional value system, such consequences do not have to be considered in deciding whether to pursue that research.

Ordinary morality, in contrast, requires that we take the foreseeable consequences of our actions into account whenever we are deciding what to do.

12.

The ethicist's statements, if true, most strongly support which one of the following?

  1. Scientists should not be held

    Out of Scope - Opinion

    The statements do not discuss whether scientists should be held responsible for the consequences of their research.

    1% picked this

  2. According to the dictates of

    Too Strong

    The issue is not whether the consequences of research turn out to be harmful, but whether scientists pursue research that has foreseeably harmful consequences.

    11% picked this

  3. Science is morally neutral because

    Premise Support

    This supports the first statement.

    3% picked this

  4. Correct

    It is possible for scientists

    Why this is right

    This follows from the last two statements. Science’s traditional value system does not require that scientists consider foreseeable consequences of their research, while ordinary morality does.

    Skill tested: Most Supported · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

    84% picked this

  5. The uses and effects of

    Support Against

    The third statement suggests that such knowledge can sometimes be foreseen.

    1% picked this

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