The Kantian Relevance of Research Ethics

Abstract

Morality and responsibility are the fundamental and defining social characteristics of human beings. We are conscious beings; therefore, we are responsible for our actions. It has been believed that we are not merely accountable to our practical life but are morally responsible to our theoretical research. This shows the significance and importance of ethics in every field of research. Ethics has become an integrated part of diverse fields of research including social, medical, and data sciences in the contemporary world. Over the time, ethical rules and regulations have been adopted and are now considered the essential part of research fields. Scholars have recognized several codes of conduct and basic principles of research ethics for instance, the rights of human participants, respect for others, integrity, confidentiality, beneficence, and informed consent. The philosopher Immanuel Kant categorically discusses such ideas in his moral theory, especially the concept of autonomy, rational moral agent, moral duties, respect for human dignity, and treating humans as ends rather than as means. Kantian moral concepts are much more relevant in contemporary discourse of research ethics. This paper aims to examine the Kantian relevance to the discipline of research ethics. Further, it argues that Kant’s moral framework provides the fundamental support to the principles of research ethics and its application in medical and social research.

           Keywords: Research, Kant, ethics, human, dignity, rationality