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Objectivity and ethics in environmental health science.
1Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA. steve_wing@unc.edu
Environmental Health Perspectives
|November 5, 2003
Summary
Scientific knowledge is shaped by social context, challenging traditional objectivity. Understanding this improves research ethics and public policy, as seen in Three Mile Island health studies.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Science
- Environmental Health Science
- Sociology of Science
Background:
- Scientific knowledge is increasingly recognized as being shaped by social context.
- Traditional notions of scientific objectivity are being questioned.
- A nuanced understanding of science's social influences is crucial for ethical research and equitable public policy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how social context influences scientific knowledge and practice.
- To provide a case study illustrating the interplay between scientific explanation and social factors.
- To advocate for a more socially responsible approach in environmental health science.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of scientific practice and knowledge production.
- Case study of health effects research following the Three Mile Island accident.
- Examination of the interaction between scientific disciplines and community observations.
Main Results:
- Scientific explanations are influenced by social concepts, norms, and preconceptions.
- Social factors affect research questions, evidence interpretation, and causal inferences.
- The Three Mile Island case demonstrates how community observations interact with scientific practice.
Conclusions:
- Practicing researchers can enhance rigor, objectivity, and social responsibility by considering history and philosophy of science.
- A socially informed perspective is vital for environmental and occupational health research.
- Improved understanding of science's social dimensions can lead to more equitable public policy.