Accountability: One facing the consequences of their actions and being responsible for what they have done, or one's ability to account
I was pretty fascinated by the ethical questions that came up in the Mckinnon et al. piece. It fascinated me that many of the ethical dilemmas discussed could be paraphrased as "who could this research hurt in any capacity?". In almost any aspect of life, one should strive to cause the least amount of damage to other people as possible, which is why ethics is so important.
To me, it seemed many of their solutions was simple pragmatism. Was their research potentially helping more people than they might hurt or not? This initially seems like a dangerous (and exploitable) mindset, but the fact everyone considered themselves responsible for the potential damage caused and adjusted their studies to reflect their responsibilities to the "good", makes me think their hearts are in the right place. It is, however, pretty intriguing how much debate there could be in these situations - for example, the common plot-device of "how much damage is okay while still contributing to a greater 'good?'". I think the important thing, however, is that people remain accountable for their actions. Although, what counts for "accountable" is definitely up for debate as well.
Thank you for sharing what you got from the McKinnon article. I too discussed the McKinnon article and how ethics are enforced in research. I liked how you talked about how there is a fine line between how much harm can be done for research to still be ethical. I wonder, where do you think that line is? How much do you think participants could suffer before research is not ethical anymore?
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI am really intrigued by what you shared this week for your blog post. I think both aspects of accountability is an interesting take and how ethical dilemmas affect our lives. Looking at how/if their research was potentially hurting more people than doing good as an initial threat - but then seeing that they adjusted is a step. The question you asked about how much damage is okay while still contributing to a greater good is an interesting take. But when is it enough in terms of research?