See BreatheThe Values of Science MStranslate May 17, 2016 Understanding Science Background At MStranslate, we are passionate about not only ‘translating’ science, but also helping improve the wider understanding of science and the foundations on which it is based. To help achieve this, we recently published two articles looking at both the “Principles of Science” and the “Methodology of Science“. This article, the final instalment of a three part series, looks at the values of science. Values The values underpinning science are the same as all other activities but they are often overlooked given science’s objective, evidential nature. Do you associate these examples with science? Collegial Science can involve both collaboration and competition but both of these approaches should be supported by collegiality. Being collegial acknowledges the efforts and contributions of others in a respectful and positive way. Nobody has a mortgage on understanding – the more responsive and inclusive you are to the activities of others, the more effective and efficient you’ll be as a scientist. Ethical Everybody will assert their morality in principle but it can, and is, more challenging to be moral in practice, i.e. ethical. The principles and methods of science do operate as safeguards but their efficacy ultimately depends on the ethical performance of the scientist. Transparent Actions do speak louder than words. Assertions of collegial and ethical behaviour are a good starting point but they are meaningless if not backed up by valid actions. People in glass houses do the best science – there is no need to accept what I say if you ‘see’ what I am doing. Curious Science can’t be expected to always be linear, sequential, orderly or mechanical. Outcomes can be unexpected, disappointing, weak or missing in action. Scientific methods display control but the outcomes of this focussed effort can be messy, surprising or intriguing. The shape of a single piece of the jigsaw may prove elusive but connecting it to the rest of the puzzle can be overwhelming. Sometimes, the ‘trail’ seems to go cold. It is important to be actively curious and questioning in order to find your way. Serendipity still has a place in science! In conclusion… It is crucial for science to ‘be done’ and ‘be seen to be done’. For this to happen, scientists must conform to principles, methods and values that define science and protect it from misuse. In science, the end can never justify the means. Rather, use of the scientific method in a transparent and detailed way allows others to establish the validity of the outcomes it produces – the means justify the level of confidence in the end. Understanding science can’t be separated from an understanding of how science should be done. Both are required in order to distinguish between the true and the false. Applying science – principles, methods and values – to first understand the very complex and then use this understanding to subsequently help people is the reason why MStranslate is so passionate about science communication. Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
