Science and responsibility for the well-being of the global community

Abstract

Purpose

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.

Design/methodology/approach

Analytical, based on the author’s previous work. This is not an empirical study.

Findings

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.

Research limitations/implications

In addition to offering some concrete proposals (see below), a general approach to the question is offered that will be useful for further work.

Practical implications

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.

Social implications

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.

Originality/value

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.

Citation

Forge, J. (2016), "Science and responsibility for the well-being of the global community", Annals in Social Responsibility, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 99-112. https://doi.org/10.1108/ASR-10-2015-0012