In this blog post, we will revisit the concept of value-neutrality in science and consider the ethical responsibilities and social roles that modern scientists should have.

Reconsidering the value neutrality of science

The concept of the value neutrality of science was first mentioned in the essay Objectivity in the Social Sciences and Social Policy by German sociologist Max Weber.
This concept refers to the stance that scientific research should only study objective facts and exclude subjective value judgments. However, through his book The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, philosopher of science Thomas Samuel Kuhn argued that science cannot be separated from social values and historical contexts, but rather is a collaborative work that combines the value systems, personal experiences, and historical coincidences of individual scientists. This argument has led to much criticism of the concept of value neutrality in science, and many scientists now agree that science is no longer value neutral.

Limitations of value neutrality

The belief that science is objective and neutral was once considered central to the independence and reliability of scientific research. However, there are significant limitations to this belief in value neutrality. The history of science is not simply an accumulation of facts, but includes the process of developing and accumulating knowledge in a social context. For example, in research dealing with bioethical issues, topics such as genetic engineering and vivisection are not simply technical issues, but involve philosophical and ethical questions about human beings and life itself. If scientists simply insist on “objectivity” and try to exclude ethical issues, it will be difficult for their research to gain social trust. The advancement of science proceeds in accordance with social demands and values, and the direction of research itself is determined by subjective judgments and social needs. Ultimately, scientific research is inevitably linked to value judgments.

Reconsidering the value neutrality of modern science

Recognizing that science is no longer value-neutral in modern society, scientists argue that instead of striving to restore value neutrality, they must engage in constant value judgments. In other words, science must be accompanied by continuous value judgments in the research process and analysis of results, and the scientific community must pursue more advanced science through interaction rather than maintaining independence from the outside world. The argument that value neutrality must be maintained is an anachronistic idea that ignores the complexity and interconnectedness of modern society, and may be an irresponsible attempt to evade the social responsibility of scientists. Now, scientists must go beyond philosophical debates about whether science is value-neutral and consider its practical social impact and the responsibilities that come with it. It is the role of modern scientists to consider the direction of their research in a social context and make appropriate value judgments accordingly.

The necessity of value judgments and ethical responsibility

First, value judgments are essential in the process of scientific research and analysis of research results. Compared to modern science, contemporary science deals with natural phenomena that are much more complex and vast, and must evaluate their impact on humanity. The methods chosen and the results obtained in the research process require judgments that take into account not only the success of the experiment but also its social impact. For example, in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) development, it is important to keep in mind that technological advances can lead to problems such as privacy violations and job losses, as well as positive aspects.
Suppose that a physics experiment called “the dynamics of billiards” is conducted. If the results show that the total kinetic energy before and after the collision is not conserved but reduced, rather than simply accepting the data as fact, the accuracy and validity of the research must be reexamined. This means that it is necessary to reach the correct conclusion through value judgments, rather than simply accepting the results of the experiment. In this way, value judgments that consider the validity of the research process and results are very important in modern science in order to ensure accurate research.

Modern Science and Ethical Responsibility

In modern society, where the value neutrality of science is being reconsidered, scientists must deeply consider their ethical responsibilities. Scientists must fulfill their social responsibilities, as scientific progress no longer stops at technological achievements but directly and indirectly affects humanity and nature. For example, advances in gene editing technology are likely to be useful in treating diseases, but ethical issues and potential risks associated with genetic manipulation of human embryos cannot be ruled out. If scientists ignore these ethical responsibilities and attempt to conduct research from a value-neutral standpoint, their scientific achievements may have negative consequences. Therefore, scientists must recognize these ethical responsibilities in the research process and conduct their research while considering ethical judgments.

Independence and social participation of the scientific community

Scientists need to form close relationships with the outside world, considering the impact of scientific research on society. In order to maintain the value neutrality of science, the scientific community must abandon its independence from modern society, but continue to reflect on social values and demands.
Considering that science and technology have been the driving force behind the expansion of capitalism and that scientific development is an important driving force in modern society, scientists must consider how their research and its results can create social value.
If scientists ignore the social context and focus only on research, it will not only diminish the social value and practical usefulness of research, but also lead to the isolation of the scientific community. It is essential for scientists to consider the social responsibility of research and evaluate its value in order to advance scientific research and strengthen ties with society. Scientists must conduct research that interacts with modern society by making value judgments in the research process and methods.

The Direction of Future Science

Science and technology have become powerful tools in modern society. The future direction of science must go beyond technological advancement and be closely linked to social values. In this process, scientists must carefully evaluate social benefits and potential risks through ethical judgment.
In an era where cutting-edge science and technology in various fields, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and environmental science, are bringing about direct changes in human life, the direction of science must be reorganized to aim for ethical considerations and social contributions, rather than simply the pursuit of objective facts.
To achieve this direction, scientists must pursue research that improves the quality of human life and achieves social harmony, rather than taking value neutrality as an absolute ideal. In order to solve the complex problems facing modern society, scientists need to take on multifaceted value judgments and ethical responsibilities.

Conclusion

The value neutrality of science is no longer a concept that can be maintained in modern society. Scientists must make constant value judgments in the research process and analysis of results, and they must advance science through close interaction with modern society. The anachronistic argument for maintaining value neutrality is nothing more than an irresponsible attempt to evade the social role of scientists. Scientists must fulfill their social responsibility in research and contribute to humanity and society through ethical judgment. Rather than worrying about the value neutrality of science, it is time for scientists to consider the value of their research in terms of its impact on humanity and society, and to open up new horizons for modern science through responsible research and development.