Problem
Irresponsible scientific and technological activity
Experimental visualization of narrower problems
Other Names:
Improper use of science and technologyUnethical practices in science and technology
Misuse of scientific knowledge
Scientific malpractice
Abuse use of technology
Negligent technicians
Criminal use of science
Dangerous technology
Corrupt scientists
Illegal technology
Nature:
The natural pace of development of science and the continuing emergence of new techniques, open up new possibilities for research. Whilst scientific and technological developments provide increasing opportunities for better conditions of life, they can give rise to social problems as well as threaten fundamental freedoms and human rights. In the absence of any control mechanism, some of these experiments (although scientifically interesting in isolation) may have unforeseen multiplier effects which disrupt the existing natural or social systems.
Incidence:
Examples of such experiments (proposed or implemented) are: warming the ionosphere to gain information on how it functions, underground nuclear tests in earthquake areas, creation of free-flowing interoceanic canals, construction of dams across interoceanic straits, melting polar ice-caps, release of artificial substances into the ionosphere and magnetosphere, and alteration of the atmosphere of Venus.
Broader Problems:
Lack of social conscienceUnethical professional practices Narrower Problems:
PseudosciencePlanned weaponsAbuse of scienceFemale infanticideMisuse of chemicalsIrresponsible researchIrresponsible chemistsUnethical food practicesAbuse of scientific powerInhumane scientific activityIrresponsible nanotechnologyUnethical practice of physicsUncertain toxicity thresholdsDubious neutrality of scienceIrrelevant scientific activityUnethical practice of chemistryUnethical practice of radiologyAbusive experimentation on humansUnethical practices in agricultureUnethical practice of earth sciencesUnethical practices in social scienceUnethical practice of the life sciencesCopyright barriers to transfer of knowledgeOfficial cover-up of consequences of experimentsMisappropriation of resources for high cost research projectsDisproportionate involvement of scientists in defence researchFalse claims regarding environmental issuesDual-use research of concern Aggravates:
DangerAnti-scienceTechno-mercenariesRadiological warfareForged scientific dataCloning of human embryosDenial of rights of patients suffering from mental illnessInappropriate transfer of technologyUnintended consequences of technologyCompetitive development of new weaponsUncontrolled application of technologyOpposition to embryo transfer technologyViolation of the rights of unborn childrenUnlimited practice of human embryo storageAbuse of science and technology in capitalismDestructive techniques for weather modificationUncontrolled environmental impact of technologyIrresponsible transfer of sensitive technologiesDependence on sophisticated technology for development Reduced By:
Scientific censorshipStrategies:
Requiring authentic application of scienceApplying scienceEnhancing scientific and technological researchNeglecting techniquesStudying criminalityStudying criminal use of scienceIdentifying dangerous technologyBlack-banning dangerous technologyUsing technologyManufacturing illegal technologyDistributing illegal technologyAdvancing manufacturing technologyReporting scientific malpracticeSelf-regulating scientific practice Subject(s):
Action → Action Innovative change → Change
Law → Legality
Science → Science
Societal Problems → Corruption
Societal Problems → Crime
Societal Problems → Hazards
Societal Problems → Irresponsibility
Societal Problems → Maltreatment
Technology → Technicians
Technology → Technology
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
C: Cross-sectoral problems Date of last update
15.04.2022 – 09:05 CEST