Flashcards on Science, Society, and Ethical Implications
Science, Society, and Ethical Implications: A Student Guide
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Science Communication and Ethics
12 cards
Card 1
Question: Why is it important for scientists to communicate their discoveries to the public?
Answer: So people can change habits based on evidence, farmers can learn about useful technologies (e.g., GM crops), and the public can make informed decision
Card 2
Question: Give an example of how gene technologies require communication to non-scientists.
Answer: Information about genetically modified crops should be communicated to farmers who might benefit and to the general public so they can make informed c
Card 3
Question: Why can media reports about scientific discoveries be misleading?
Answer: Media reports aren’t peer-reviewed and may oversimplify or inaccurately present peer-reviewed data, making it open to misinterpretation.
Card 4
Question: How might scientific evidence be presented in a biased way?
Answer: Presenters can overemphasise relationships in data or report supporting details without giving opposing evidence, sometimes unintentionally.
Card 5
Question: List four types of issues that scientific developments can create.
Answer: Economic issues, personal issues, social issues, and environmental issues.
Card 6
Question: What is an example of an economic issue created by scientific recommendations?
Answer: Society may not be able to afford to follow scientists’ recommendations (e.g., investing in alternative energy) without cutting back elsewhere.
Card 7
Question: What is an example of a personal issue caused by a scientific development?
Answer: An individual might support alternative energy in general but object to a wind farm being built next to their house.
Card 8
Question: Give an example of a social issue arising from decisions based on scientific evidence.
Answer: Debates such as whether fossil fuels should be taxed more highly because of the impact on people’s lifestyles.
Card 9
Question: Provide an example of an environmental issue caused by implementing a scientific solution.
Answer: Building a dam may displace local species by changing habitat, even though it reduces fossil fuel use and helps mitigate climate change.
Card 10
Question: Why can't science answer every question?
Answer: Science depends on available data; some questions lack sufficient or collectible data, and scientific methods cannot address purely ethical questions