Ethics as Lived Practice. Anticipatory Capacity and Ethical Decision-Making in Forensic Genetics

Area of Science:

• Forensic Genetics
• Bioethics
• Scientific Practice

Background:

• Forensic genetics faces rapid advancement, demanding innovation and productivity.
• Current ethical frameworks often focus narrowly on procedures and privacy.
• Technology is frequently viewed as a neutral tool, detached from ethical considerations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for 'ethics as lived practice' in forensic genetics.
• To critique the limitations of 'thin' ethics in the field.
• To explore ethical decision-making in emerging forensic genetics technologies and database management.

Main Methods:

• Critical discussion of existing ethical approaches ('thin' ethics).
• Analysis of three case studies involving emerging forensic genetics technologies.
• Examination of ethical considerations in database creation, curation, and use.

Main Results:

• 'Thin' ethics lead to a myopic focus on procedures and privacy, neglecting broader impacts.
• 'Ethics as lived practice' integrates ethical considerations into the daily work of scientists.
• Open communication and engagement with societal/policing contexts are vital ethical components.

Conclusions:

• Adopting 'ethics as lived practice' enhances scientists' capacity to act within ethical and legal boundaries.
• This approach fosters anticipatory understanding of operational and societal impacts.
• Making ethical decision-making visible is crucial for responsible scientific advancement in forensic genetics.