Humanity looks up to the scientific community to provide answers and solve both practical and conceptual challenges of contemporary society. Scientific decisions directly and deeply influence human lives. Thus, securing responsible scientific decisions becomes an imperative. The Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker Center is interested in the investigation of the three theoretical foundations of responsible science: ethics of science, epistemology of scientific research, and the humanization of scientific work.
Ethics of science is concerned with scientific misconduct, e.g., plagiarism and fraud, with questions about boundaries of science, i.e., which research is morally permissible, and with the abuse of science for commercial purposes. Epistemology of scientific research investigates optimal ways of scientific knowledge production and is concerned with challenges such as the replication crisis, biases in science, communication patterns, etc. In particular, the Center is exploring the social dimensions of scientific knowledge acquisition. One of the topics addressed is the question of responsible allocation of epistemic resources in science.
Finally, scientific results are influenced by the treatment researchers receive from society. During politically turbulent times, but also at the time of increasing pressure and focus on productivity, there is a danger that scientists become regarded as commodities. In order to secure stimulating work conditions for research, one has to explore the treatment of scientists and comprehend what their fundamental rights and needs are.
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