Moral creativity in science and engineering

Author: Martin, Mike

Source: Science and Engineering Ethics, Volume 12, Number 3, September 2006 , pp. 421-433(13)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Creativity in science and engineering has moral significance and deserves attention within professional ethics, in at least three areas. First, much scientific and technological creativity constitutes moral creativity because it generates moral benefits, is motivated by moral concern, and manifests virtues such as beneficence, courage, and perseverance. Second, creativity contributes to the meaning that scientists and engineers derive from their work, thereby connecting with virtues such as authenticity and also faults arising from Faustian trade-offs. Third, morally creative leadership is important at all levels of science and engineering.

Keywords: scientific creativity; moral creativity; virtues; authenticity; professional ethics; Faustian bargains

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11948-006-0043-6

Affiliations: 1: Email: mwmartin@chapman.edu

Publication date: 2006-09-01