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Methodological and ethical aspects of science
Wissenschaftstheorie und Wissenschaftsethik
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:28:36
Abstract
The seminar, which is taught by both natural and social scientists, uses current and historical case studies as well as empirical surveys to introduce the methods and results of studies on scientific wrongdoing. Ethics of sciences approaches to developing a set of best scientific practices are also discussed
Objective
Practice in the critical analysis of current and historical case studies on scientific wrongdoing. Introduction to empirical and statistical methods or researching misconduct. Discussion of factors influencing and institutional policies for dealing with scientific wrongdoing.
Content
In addition to the scientific ideal of pursuit of truth, conduct in science (as in other fields) may be motivated by factors like career considerations, material advantage, influence and social recognition. These motivations often lead to breaches of scientific ethics. Such breaches my include anything from careless errors to “scientific theft” (plagiarism) to deliberate falsification or fabrication of data and results. The course will employ current and historical case studies to elaborate on conditions that apparently favor scientific wrongdoing. It will also address the effectiveness of institutional controls (peer review, scientific critique, replication, and so on) in eliminating scientific wrongdoing to the greatest extent possible. Finally, the seminar will deal with both the predicaments of young scientists who are confronted with ethically questionable practices and possible steps for preventing misconduct.
Resources
Literature
Broad, William und Nicholas Wade (1982), Betrug und Täuschung in der Wissenschaft, Basel: Birkhäuser Chalmers, Alain F. (2006), Wege der Wissenschaft, Berlin: Springer Judson, Horace Freeland (2004),The Great Betrayal. Fraud in Science, Orlando: Harcourt
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- DS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar |
Wissenschaftstheorie und Wissenschaftsethik
diese LV findet in unregelmässigen Abständen statt
|
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (In order to be awarded credits, please register under "Pflichtwahlfach GESS"!. The language courses are offered by the ETH and University of Zurich Language Center ( ))
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