Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

A Conflict Of Interest? Negotiating Agendas, Ethics, And Consequences Regarding The Heritage Value Of Human Remains, Heidi J. Bauer-Clapp

Doctoral Dissertations

Since the mid-twentieth century growing public fascination with a heritage of violence has spurred an increase in sites of conscience and dark tourism. While scholars have demonstrated how this heritage can draw attention to events that may have been marginalized or ignored, little attention has been paid to complex ethical dilemmas involved in the commodification of violence through tourism. Even less attention has been paid to ethical treatment of the remains of victims whose suffering is central to dark tourism. This dissertation demonstrates how heritage policies and codes of ethics can be strengthened to promote ethical treatment of the dead …

The Promise Of Mourning, Samantha Rose Hill

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation project offers a critique of the ethical turn within contemporary political theory through the Frankfurt School tradition of critical thought. While many contemporary political theorists rely upon Freud’s distinction between mourning and melancholia in order to argue for forms of democratic political action, I examine the relationship between loss, mourning, melancholy, and temporality in the works of Hannah Arendt, Walter Benjamin, Sheldon Wolin, and Theodor Adorno in order to think about the relationship between critical thinking and political action. Focusing on their different approaches to time, history, and loss in relationship to politics demonstrates how concepts like mourning …

Syllabus: Introduction To Permaculture, Lisa Depiano

Sustainability Education Resources

The Permaculture Design Course is a three-credit course that offers students a foundation in permaculture history, ethics, principles, design process, and practical applications. The framework behind the theory and practice of permaculture is rooted in the observation of natural systems. By observing key ecological relationships, we can mimic and apply these beneficial relationships in the design of systems that serve humans while helping to restore the natural world. This course trains students as critical thinkers, observers, and analysts of the world(s) around them, and then goes on to provide students with the tools needed to design for inspired and positive …

Interpreting, Stephanie Jo Kent

Doctoral Dissertations

What do community interpreting for the Deaf in western societies, conference interpreting for the European Parliament, and language brokering in international management have in common? Academic research and professional training have historically emphasized the linguistic and cognitive challenges of interpreting, neglecting or ignoring the social aspects that structure communication. All forms of interpreting are inherently social; they involve relationships among at least three people and two languages. The contexts explored here, American Sign Language/English interpreting and spoken language interpreting within the European Parliament, show that simultaneous interpreting involves attitudes, norms and values about intercultural communication that overemphasize information and discount …

Case Study: Reporting Incidence Of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars), M.J. Peterson, Paul A. White

International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering

The SARS case is an in-depth study of the 2002-2003 global outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). It focuses specifically on how information about the disease was shared among countries.

Case Study: Narmada Dams Controversy, M.J. Peterson, Osman Kiratli, Ilke Ercan

International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering

This case study looks at one of the more famous instances of transnational involvement in stakeholder struggles over large dams: the long-running contention over dam construction on the Narmada Rover in India. Though proposals to build large dams on the Narmada inspired political controversy from the day the first proposals were made in 1947-48, only in the mid-1980s did the controversy take on the transnational aspects for which it is now famous as critics took up the cause of those who would be displaced as the reservoirs created by the dams filled up and raised environmental concerns about the project.

An Introduction To Principles Of Ethics And Morality For Scientists And Engineers, Tom Murray

International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering

Preface: This document is part of an NSF-funded project at the University of Massachusetts Amherst that is developing on-line case-based ethics curriculum for science and engineering disciplines. The on-line materials include a set of cases based on real events with international ethical dimensions , including the incidents leading up to the Bhopal chemical plant disaster, the reporting incidence of the SARS epidemic, and international regulation of genetically modified foods. Each case module has a description and supplementary resources including reference material; a set of interviews with fictitious stakeholders; and an on-line discussion forum structured to promote particular types of discussion, …

Case Study: The Eu-Us Dispute Over Regulation Of Genetically Modified Organisms, Plants, Feeds, And Foods, M.J. Peterson, Paul A. White

International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering

The EU-US Dispute over Regulation of Genetically Modified Organisms, Plants, Feeds, and Foods case is a study of the divergence of regulatory standards for genetically modified plants, feeds, and food in the US and in European countries. It focuses on the European Union’s moratorium of approval of new genetically modified organisms and the World Trade Organization’s consequent ruling.

Ethics In Science And Engineering: Redefining Tools And Resources, Goncalves Michelle, Jane E. Fountain, Adamick Jessica, Billings Marilyn

Jane E. Fountain

The leaders of the ESENCe beta site project organized

a national workshop, “Ethics in Science and Engineering:

Redefining Tools and Resources,” that was held on

October 22-23, 2009 at UMass Amherst. The workshop

objectives, broadly speaking, were twofold: first, to

explore the potential for leveraging the university’s role

as a locus of education and mentoring for ethics and

RCR in science and engineering and, second, to explore

the potential and limitations of digital tools, including

social media, for supporting such growth. The workshop

initiated a dialogue between university faculty involved in

ethics research and education and library and information

scientists. …

Case Study: Access To Hiv Treatments In Developing Countries, M.J. Peterson

International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering

This case explores the challenges faced by developing countries, where HIV is widely prevalent, in providing their citizens access to HIV medications. Supplying consistent treatments of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) medications continue to be an obstacle due to its high costs in relation to individual income and government health budgets, and the strict patent laws governing them when attempting to domestically produce generics at a much lower price. Other barriers such as lack of medical facilities, outlay of tests and availability of clinics, coupled with the social stigma of HIV and AIDS, prevent persons infected to seek treatment.

Case Study: Transboundary Trade In Hazardous Substances And Wastes, M.J. Peterson

International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering

This case study provides an overview of environmental and health issues regarding the transboundary trade of hazardous substances such as various chemical waste, including pesticides, which can affect human condition and the environment, especially in developing countries. Primary discussions have risen to address these concerns, and to design regulations for the proper use and legal trade of these substances. The study also provides an in-depth analysis on the various approaches in a national and international level, to control the impact of these regulations worldwide.

Case Study: Asilomar Conference On Laboratory Precautions When Conducting Recombinant Dna Research, M.J. Peterson

International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering

This case is an in-depth summary on an extensively controversial conference held at the Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove California, in 1973, where approximately 100 leading scientists in the field convened to formulate safety measures to direct the development of recombinant DNA technology in the United States. It resulted in subsequent discussions, including the conception of a proposed regulated guidelines and risk categories for rDNA experiments. These procedures were adopted and widely used by the US Government today. Appendices include: A.) Chronology; B.) Views on the Asilomar Process; C.) Members of Groups Central to the Scientists’ Debates about rDNA …

Ethics In Science & Engineering: Redefining Tools & Resources, Michelle S. Goncalves, Jane E. Fountain, Jessica Adamick, Marilyn Billings

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

This report summarizes the main points of discussion of a national workshop convened to advance knowledge and practice for ethics in science and engineering. Following the enactment of the America COMPETES Act and its provisions to increase attention to ethics and the responsible conduct of research in science and engineering, the National Science Foundation (NSF) supported two beta site projects to advance understanding of the key dimensions required for a national online clearinghouse in ethics for science and engineering. The ESENCe Beta Site project, based at UMass Amherst and one of two such beta sites in the United States, thanks …

Case Study: Recruitment Of Egg Donors By South Korean Stem Cell Researchers, Mj Peterson, Osman Kiratli, Ilke Ercan

International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering

This case study examines the controversy surrounding Dr. Hwang Woo-suk's recruitment of egg donors for his team's stem cell research from 2002 through 2005. It explores the international dimensions of ethical standards, the political decentralization of global regulation, and the internationalization of science.

Module 2.4: Social Inclusion & Equity, M.J. Peterson

International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering

Transnational scientific and engineering activity has effects on social equity. This module will examine international-level mechanisms for raising social equity concerns including global multilateral organizations, regional multilateral organizations, transnational policy advocacy, transnational social mobilizations, and elite interchange.

Module 2.3b: Stakeholder Inclusion, M.J. Peterson

International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering

The social context of science and engineering includes many actors. This module will define and identify stakeholders in various contexts and explain a model of social mobilization.

Module 2.1: Variation In International Regulatory Processes, M.J. Peterson

International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering

The essence of international ethics is that variation exists among regulatory processes. This module will examine variation in multilateral intergovernmental organizations such as United Nations Conferences, United Nations specialized agencies, regional conferences or commissions, and other international bodies including private industry standards-setting bodies.

Module 2.2: Responsible Participation By Scientists And Engineers In International Political Processes, M.J. Peterson

International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering

Scientists and engineers participate in international regulatory processes in a variety of ways. This module seeks to better define participation, particularly responsible participation, by delineating several categories of participation: epistemic communities, professional associations, scientists as citizen-advocates, scientists as employees of private organizations, and scientists as government officials. It will also examine the various channels of influence open to each type of participation.

Diagrams: Networks And Organizations, M.J. Peterson

International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering

Diagrams representing typical bureaucratic organizations, networks, and communication hubs.

International Forums For Addressing Social Inclusion And Social Equity Issues, M.J. Peterson

International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering

Global intergovernmental organizations such as the United Nations (UN), World Bank, and the World Trade Organization (WTO), have been some of the primary forums for discussion of social inclusion at the global level since 1945. There are regional intergovernmental organizations however, such as the European Union (EU), African Union (AU), and other elite forums that also address social issues depending on what the governments of member states wish to discuss.

Cultural Competence In A Transnational Workplace, M.J. Peterson

International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering

Many considerations, sensitivities, and cross-cultural awareness contribute to creating a successful transnational workplace. Developing the ability to negotiate with individuals of other cultures requires an understanding of which methods are acceptable or unacceptable to a particular culture.

Efforts To Control Information Flows, M.J. Peterson, Ilke Ercan

International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering

Since the mid-20th century, the importance of intellectual property rights have become a major avenue for governments, corporations, and other groups to control and limit the diffusion of scientific and technical information. Some of these limits are efforts to regulate who has what information through general censorship.

Hints On Cross Cultural Skills, M.J. Peterson

International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering

This document outlines suggestions on dealing with cultural differences among collaborators drawn from business literature. Different authors present different schemes, but there is broad consensus on three elements of effective cross-cultural interaction.

The Concepts Of Social Inclusion And Social Equity, M.J. Peterson

International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering

The rapid growth in transnational professional activity has encouraged Intergovernmental Organizations (IGO), and other international professional associations to develop cross-national regulations and standards to promote worldwide policy coordination and standardization.

Responsible Participation By Scientists And Engineers In International Political Process, M.J. Peterson

International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering

Conditions of globalization and increasing prominence of scientific and technical matters in everyday life has created a need for scientists and engineers to participate in national and international debates about solving problems, applying technologies to particular purposes, and avoiding or minimizing serious harm. Policy-makers and others concerned with particular issues seek various types of expert advice depending on how well the issue is understood, and how urgent addressing it appears to be.

Stakeholders, M.J. Peterson, Ilke Ercan

International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering

Two distinct concepts of "stakeholder" have developed in recent decades. The first existing in politics to describe anyone affected by a decision occurring within the domains of a ruling government, and the second being used in business management manuals, where it applies to the relationship between a business firm and an individual or group, interested in the firm's success.

Case Study: Bhopal Plant Disaster, M.J. Peterson

International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering

The Bhopal case is an in-depth study of the industrial accident at the Union Carbide factory in India that immediately killed 2,000 people, injured another 200,000 to 300,000 more, and immediately raised questions about plant safety and corporate responsibility around the world. Includes seven detailed appendices: A.) Chronology, B.) Stakeholders and Level of Responsibility, C.) Economic/industrial climate of India, D.) Union Carbide Corporation, E.) Issues in Chemical Processing, F.) Assessing Responsibility: The Legal/Regulatory System, G.) Assessing Responsibility: The Engineers and Scientists, and H.) Technical Expertise and Managerial Responsibility.

Transnational Differences In Ethical And Regulatory Standards, M.J. Peterson

International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering

This manuscript identifies key ways in which regulatory responses can differ across national boundaries. Some of these differences stem from variations in the perceived acceptability of an activity in different cultures. Others stem from different approaches to the common problem of identifying and regulating hazardous activity. Yet, others stem from differences in reaction to scientific or technological breakthroughs.

Faculty Retreat In Research Ethics--Modules And Issues, William Frey

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

This module is a derived copy of a module that supports faculty development workshops. It is developed in conjunction with the EAC (ethics across the curriculum) Toolkit. Faculty development workshops bring instructors and researchers together into interdisciplinary teams to tackle the important task of providing students in the occupational and professional areas with ethics education. These workshops allow faculty the time and opportunity to develop resources and materials that support EAC educational efforts. But capturing the experience and knowledge generated can prove challenging. Post workshop enthusiasm and commitment wear off wear off as time passes. This module sustains the developing …

Diagrams Of Transnational Diffusion, M.J. Peterson

International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering

Diagrams showing transnational diffusion of ethical standards and physical effects.