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Data selection and responsible conduct: was Millikan a fraud?

Richard C Jennings1

  • 1University of Cambridge, Department of History and Philosophy of Science, UK. rcj11@cam.ac.uk

Science and Engineering Ethics
|December 14, 2004
PubMed

Insights

This study examines Robert Millikan's data selection in his oil drop experiments. It argues Millikan's choices were justifiable and he did not intentionally mislead the scientific community.

Area of Science:

  • Physics
  • History of Science
  • Scientific Ethics

Background:

  • Examines the controversy surrounding Robert Millikan's oil drop experiment data selection.
  • Addresses the tension between historical interpretations and current Responsible Conduct of Research standards regarding data selection.

Discussion:

  • Analyzes whether Millikan's data selection was justifiable or constituted scientific misconduct.
  • Investigates the intent behind Millikan's actions and the impact on the scientific community.

Key Insights:

  • Argues that Millikan's data selection was not intentionally misleading.
  • Concludes that Millikan likely did not mislead the scientific community about the physical facts.

Outlook:

  • Re-evaluates historical scientific practices in light of modern ethical guidelines.
  • Provides a framework for distinguishing legitimate data selection from scientific fraud.

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