Abstract
The primary role of a scientist is to broaden their understanding, as well as that of their community and other societies, and to enhance awareness of both the physical and social environments. In doing so, scientists conduct their investigations with a keen regard for scientific ethics and methodologies. The ethical standards that scientists are expected to consider need to be reassessed at every phase. Ethical assessment is an ongoing process, and it's crucial to verify that the research in question adheres to ethical standards at each stage. This process serves as a reminder for the scientist to consider certain aspects during their research, essentially enabling them to exercise self-regulation. As a result, existing ethical values have transcended individual and societal boundaries to take on an international dimension, leading to the establishment of ethical standards. While these ethical codes positively aid scientists in planning their research in line with these values, they have also started to exert a negative impact on the scientist and their research.
TopEthics And Neurosciences
While advancements in science aid in our understanding of humans and nature, satisfying our innate curiosity, they also enable us to uncover and comprehend the natural origins of science itself. Research on living organisms, guided by the rapidly evolving fields of biology and high technology since the 18th century, has allowed us to discover the natural origins of humanity’s spiritual aspect throughout known history (Zimmer 2005). Particularly, strides in the field of neurology have illuminated that the tangible foundation of ethical knowledge and moral practice lies within the human brain and nervous system (Illes and Bird 2006). Research conducted in the field of neuroscience during the 20th century has revealed that the human cerebral cortex, along with the frontal and temporal lobes, play a significant role in human socialization and the formation of social organizations. As a result, biology and social sciences have begun to examine, recognize, and understand each other. This development, along with physiological mechanisms and neurosciences, offers a new explanation for the natural process of ethics, moving beyond divine interpretations. This has also led to a shift in the approach to ethics.
In this context, Helmholtz experimentally demonstrated that mental activities are based on matter (Gibbons, Muldoon, and Khalil 2023), and Fechner explained the law showing the relationship between matter and mind (Karakas and Bekci 2003). Wundt (1832-1920), on the other hand, stated that there is a parallelism between the phenomena of consciousness and the processes of the nervous system (Romand and France 2021).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Publication Ethics: Publication ethics encompasses the ethical standards and practices governing the dissemination of research findings through academic journals or other platforms, emphasizing honesty, transparency, and the prevention of misconduct in authorship, peer review, and the editorial process.
Research Ethics: Research ethics involves the application of ethical principles and guidelines in the planning, conduct, and reporting of scientific investigations, ensuring that studies involving human or animal subjects are conducted responsibly, with integrity, and in a manner that respects the rights and well-being of participants.
Ethics: Ethics refers to the principles and moral values that guide individuals or groups in distinguishing right from wrong, influencing decision-making, and shaping behavior in a manner that aligns with accepted standards of conduct and integrity.
Social Science: Social science is a branch of academic disciplines that systematically studies human society, behavior, and interactions, employing empirical methods to analyze and understand various aspects such as culture, economics, psychology, and sociology.