There are always two sides to a coin. This logic applies to research subjects, such as brain mapping and nuclear fusion. On one hand, if the technology is used as intended, it can reap many benefits, such as the treatment of mental illnesses and the aversion of the energy crisis. However, if the technology is abused, then devastation would most likely follow. Hence, there is a pressing need for researchers to predict and minimize potential unethical abuses of their work.
One way to predict and minimize potential unethical abuses of one’s research work will be to hold periodic conferences with other researchers to brainstorm for possible channels of abuse, very much like how the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) run their meetings. Conferences with other researchers will congregate ideas based on research literature as these are the people who create the technology and are the few who truly understand its capabilities and shortfalls. These conferences should most likely be a global audience of fellow researchers, as many different groups of people can offer a diverse set of ideas to predict and minimize potential unethical abuses.
The second way would be to conduct a series of tests to study its possible abuses. By going through the set of procedures, one might discover new avenues that are possible for exploitation. One example is the rigorous testing of software, where the software is subjected to many forms of testing to maximize its efficiency. Hackers may also be invited to find possible exploitation in the algorithm. This method is useful for discovering loopholes that viruses may possibly exploit. A similar idea could be deployed to study any possible abuses of one's research subject.
A third solution would be to work together with different governmental agencies to pass Bills that prevent the exploitation of the technology. Through the protection of these exploitations with rules and regulations enforced by the government, potential abusers may be deterred. Strict penalties and enforcement should keep the abuse to a low level.
Although much can be done, one must understand that there will always be available avenues for abuse. However there has to be a conscious effort from the public to realize that abusing the technology may have devastating effects, and to refrain from abusing it.
2 comments:
Connecting the journal with what we just have read is really good, which not only enrich the content of the article but also make it more convincled.
I like your points of view very much because they are written in a very specific and practical manner. Other than just concerning about ethical principles or the responsibilities of scientists, you actually mentioned about specific ways such as conferencing or inviting hackers:)
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