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If we conclude that there is some knowledge we should not pursue on…
If we conclude that there is some knowledge we should not pursue on ethical grounds, how can we determine the boundaries of acceptable investigation within an area of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
PT No. 6 May 2022
- This question is divided into two parts but should be answered as one. The first part, “if we conclude that there is some knowledge we should not pursue on ethical grounds” presents a broad principle applicable to any area of knowledge (AOK) as it is about knowledge in general.
- There should be some investigation into the possible parameters of “ethical grounds”, and discussion of who “we” refers to in the question and it is up to the student to decide on the meaning of “we”.
- Fundamentally, the question revolves around whether there are any aspects of knowledge we should not pursue, how we recognise these aspects and at what point we should draw a line.
- Ethical considerations would then revolve around the means used to collect data, rather than the data per se.
- When considering the nature of boundaries, you may look at whether boundaries are imposed on the matter being investigated or the methodology employed.
- You are free to choose any two AOKs as a focus for their discussion. What is meant by investigation will need to be clarified in the context of each of the two AOKs.
- It needs to be explored, but this must be done in reference to the two AOKs which have been selected and in relation to the second part of the question, “how can we determine the boundaries of acceptable investigation within an area of knowledge”.
- Although the prescribed title suggests that we may conclude in agreement with the title, the “if” in the question leaves it open for you to reject the idea that there is knowledge we should not pursue on ethical grounds and therefore boundaries should not be set on the investigation of the AOK.
- However, an essay on just that one point of view will elicit a very limited response. This question may be answered with regard to the acquisition or production of knowledge.
- In the production of knowledge, investigation could be seen as any systematic process in the quest to find the answer to a question.
- Investigation can thus take many forms according to the AOK.
- The question asks how we can determine the boundaries “within” AOKs so the discussion may be about an AOK as a whole or it may extend to differences between disciplines in the AOK.
- Those involved in the investigation might weigh up a potential trade-off between something that is perceived to be “good” and the cost of achieving it.
- This might lead them to question whether this progress is worthwhile and whether, in fact, it is progress.
- In some AOKs it could be argued that there is some sort of duty or responsibility to explore all avenues open for the construction of knowledge.
- Questions to consider may be how limitations could be imposed and whether there are factors other than ethical concerns that play a part in the decision to pursue X rather than Y, or not to pursue either.
- Moreover, you may suggest that setting boundaries on an investigation is no guarantee that the pursuit of knowledge will be ethical.
- There may be consideration of why there could be opposition to any boundaries being set because of the limitations imposed, but there should also be consideration of the implications of outcomes when the investigation results in unforeseen consequences and where the responsibility for this lies.
- Some discussion of differing ethical theories may be appropriate, such as utilitarianism or deontological ethics, if the discussion is linked to the pursuit of knowledge as set in the prescribed title, but this is certainly not required.
- On the other hand, consideration can also be given to situations and consequences which might not have been possible had limitations been imposed, as with instances of serendipity.