Do scientists have morals

Answer 1

The simple answer to your question is yes, of course they do. Morality and science is an extremely broad topic. It is likely that morality among scientists mirrors morality among any other group of humans. Some scientists may operate by the sole rule that the ends justify the means. Some fantastic scientific discoveries can be used for both good and bad purposes. Some scientists use falsified information to support their studies solely for personal gain. Others dedicate their lives to improving the world and the lives of its people.

Fundamentally moral purposes have usually driven scientific projects: improve the human condition, relieve suffering, cure diseases, improve health, increase food production, empower people, etc. However, there have been some scientists for whom no moral boundaries existed. Think of the scientists in Nazi Germany who performed cruel experiments on human beings.

J. Robert Oppenheimer was a brilliant scientist chosen to lead the Manhattan Project- the American project assembled to build the atom bombs that were unleashed on Japan, marking the end of World War II. Oppenheimer, like many other scientists involved in the development of nuclear energy suffered personal anguish later in life over the destructive power that he helped to unleash on the world.

There are many interesting online sources that address issues of science and morality more in depth.