Science, ethics and education

Abstract

An overarching epistemological goal of science is to develop a comprehensive, systematic, empirically grounded understanding of nature. Two obstacles stand in the way: (1) Nature is enormously complicated. (2) Findings are fallible: no matter how well established a conclusion is, it still might be wrong. To pursue this goal in light of the obstacles, science incorporates ethical values. These values are not mere means; their realization is integral to the sort of understanding that science embodies. The recognition of these values should be incorporated into science education.