Chapter 22, Problem 44A

Pounding a nail into wood makes the nail warmer. Suppose a hammer exerts an average force of 500 N on a 6-cm nail whose mass is 5 grams when it drives into a piece of wood. Work is done on the nail and it becomes hotter. If all the heat goes to the nail, show that its increase in temperature is slightly more than $13°C$. (Use $450\text{ J/kg}°\text{C}$ for the specific heat capacity of the nail.)

To determine

Discussion of moral challenges of socially responsible science

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The role of scientist carries a lot of responsibilities. The foremost obvious is accurate and reliable research which will be depended upon by fellow researchers. Scientists even have a responsibility to oppose misuse or abuse within the application of research findings, and to attend to both the restrictions and therefore the foreseeable impacts of their work.

 Additionally, as members of society, scientists have a responsibility to participate in discussions and decisions regarding the acceptable use of science in addressing societal issues and concerns, and to bring their specialized knowledge and expertise to activities and discussions that promote the education of scholars and fellow citizens, thereby enhancing and facilitating informed deciding and democracy.

Social responsibility is an important a part of the responsible conduct of research that presents difficult ethical questions for scientists. Recognizing one’s social responsibilities as a scientist is a crucial initiative toward exercising social responsibility, but it's only the start, since scientists may confront difficult value questions when deciding the way to act responsibly. Ethical dilemmas associated with socially responsible science fall under a minimum of three basic categories: 1) dilemmas associated with problem selection, 2) dilemmas associated with publication and data sharing, and 3) dilemmas associated with engaging society. In responding to those dilemmas, scientists must decide the way to balance their social responsibilities against other professional commitments and the way to avoid compromising their objectivity. During this article, we'll examine the philosophical and ethical basis of social responsibility in science, discuss a number of the moral dilemmas associated with exercising social responsibility, and make five recommendations to assist scientists affect these issues.

Conclusion:

Scientists have much to contribute to society, and a right and responsibility to try to do so. Doing good quality work is where our responsibilities begin, not where they end. Scientists, as individual members of society and as citizens, can bring specialized knowledge which will be essential to addressing social concerns (although not sufficient). It’s a valuable perspective that, when provided alongside other valuable perspectives, offers the potential for effective application of scientific education and expertise to societal and global concerns.