ETHICS ESSAY

“All human interaction, including the interaction involved in human research, has ethical dimensions.” – National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2015), p. 3 “As a consequence of [writing this book], I have come to understand that the pursuit of evidence is probably the most pressing moral imperative of our time. All of our work as scholars, activists, and citizens of democracy depends on it.” – Alice Dreger (2015), p. 11 “The label ‘steward’ conveys a role that transcends accomplishments and skills; it has an ethical and moral dimension. Stewards have a responsibility to apply their knowledge, skills, findings and insights in the service of problem solving or greater understanding. Self-identifying as a steward implies adopting a sense of purpose that is larger than oneself. One is a steward of the discipline, not simply the manager of one’s own career.” – Chris Golde, “Preparing Stewards of the Discipline” (2006) https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED498972.pdf When you enter the Research Stage of the PhD you will become a Higher Degree Research candidate, and thus become a steward of your field; someone to whom is given responsibility for generating new knowledge, conserving old knowledge, and transforming knowledge (both generated and conserved) by teaching it to others. The role of steward also has ethical and moral dimensions: to apply your knowledge in the service of problem-solving or understanding; to be both a critic and a caretaker of your field (not simply the manager of your own career); and to seek to understand and cultivate your field as part of the patchwork that makes up the broader landscape of human knowledge. In this essay, we want you to write about what you see ahead as a researcher entrusted with the stewardship of your field. We are asking you to put on the mantle of steward of your field – we want to know what you see ahead of you when wear that garment. We want to know the principles that will guide you, and the moral compass you will set for yourself. We want to know what you think about the responsibilities of researchers in a democratic society. With the above preamble in mind, you must write an essay that addresses the following types of questions: What are the key problems or areas of new understanding where you can make a contribution? What areas of your field require critique, and what areas require care? How might your stewardship be enhanced by future engagement with stewards from other fields? How might you work together with colleagues towards general stewardship of the academy? How might you work with others as custodians of knowledge in the service of democracy?        

Sample Solution