Why should scientists work within ethical parameters?

Answer 1

Because if you understand what "Ethical" means:

A adjective
1 ethical,
conforming to accepted standards of social or professional behavior; "an ethical lawyer"; "ethical medical practice"; "an ethical problem"; "had no ethical objection to drinking"; "Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants"- Omar N. Bradley
2. ethical, honorable, honourable, moral
adhering to ethical and moral principles; "it seems ethical and right"; "followed the only honorable course of action"; "had the moral courage to stand alone"
3. ethical
of or relating to the philosophical study of ethics; "ethical codes"; "ethical theories.

It insures the truth...the discovery of scientific truths or the processes of research protect the truth. If you didn't have ethical parameters, a scientist could forge findings or discoveries.

Answer 2

To build on other respondents' answers- we are human beings, too. Most scientists are very ethical people whose work drives them to better society. Being a scinetist can lead to a very lonely life with a lot of sacrifice.

Aside from that, there is one very practical reason for scientists in the US to practice ethics- if they recive federally funded support they must legally justify their research to an inquiring public and to their peers.

Answer 3

Scientists are human and they have thoughts and feelings. Despite the dryness of the subjects, most people studying science have strong feelings about the world, society and their place in it. This drives their ethics, as it does for bus drivers and accountants.

Answer 4

They shouldn't! My experiments placing highly radioactive material in children's toys would have never gone as far as it has if I was worried about something as useless as ethics!!!