[The publishing of ethically questionable research. A commentary]

The question whether the editors of scientific journals should apply ethical criteria in addition to scientific and stylistic standards in assessing copy submitted, is discussed. This applies particularly to studies which cannot be justified by arguments that appeal to a large majority. Criticism of the ethical content of a paper may refer to the purpose of the study, the selection and treatment of the experimental subjects and the mode of presentation of the study. The publishing policy of the editors may have an effect on the ethical appreciation of problems arising in the course of their activities. The instruments available to the editors in this case are (1) refusing the paper or (2) accepting the paper with a view to provoking a discussion of the questionable point. The last-named possibility offers the additional advantage that those who are not directly involved will also be able to express an opinion.