Science and Christian Ethics

Paul Scherz's book "Science and Christian Ethics" explores the crisis in scientific research due to government and business pressure to commodify science. He argues that individual scientists need a regime of spiritual exercises to refocus on the good of truth in the face of institutional pressure. The book addresses research ethics, moral education, and anthropology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The scientific research landscape is currently facing a severe crisis, marked by a multitude of challenges. These challenges include the inability to reproduce experimental results, instances of fraud, a lack of innovative thinking, and the prevalence of burnout among researchers. In his book titled Science and Christian Ethics, Paul Scherz delves into the root causes of these issues, attributing them to the pressure exerted by governments and businesses to transform scientists into competitive entrepreneurs who utilize their research findings to drive economic growth. This pursuit of competitiveness has led to an environment where the world is increasingly commodified.

To address this pressing problem of character, Scherz explores alternative models of reforming character, drawing upon the works of Alasdair MacIntyre and Michel Foucault. Contrary to the prevailing views of many virtue ethicists, Scherz argues that individual scientists require a regime of spiritual exercises, akin to those found in Stoicism as it was adopted by Christianity, to reorient their focus towards the pursuit of truth amidst institutional pressures. His book serves as a valuable resource for addressing critical issues in research ethics, moral education, and anthropology.

Through his insightful analysis and compelling arguments, Scherz offers a fresh perspective on the challenges facing scientific research and provides valuable insights into the reform of character and the cultivation of ethical practices. His work sheds light on the urgent need for a more holistic approach to scientific inquiry that prioritizes the pursuit of truth, integrity, and the well-being of both researchers and society as a whole.

Weight: 404g
ISBN-13: 9781108742580