29 Jun 2020
29 Jun 2020
La Commedia Scientifica: Dante and the Scientific Virtues
- 1Irish Centre for Research in Applied Geosciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- 2Science Communication Unit, Imperial College London, London, UK
- 1Irish Centre for Research in Applied Geosciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- 2Science Communication Unit, Imperial College London, London, UK
Abstract. The ethical challenges facing contemporary science range from scientific misconduct, to the rightful treatment of people, animals and the environment. In this work, we explore the role of virtue ethics, which concern the character of a person, in contemporary science. Through interviews with thirteen scientists, eight of whom are geoscientists, we identify six virtues in science (honesty, humility, philia, innocence, generosity and reticence), paired with vices, and construct a narrative argument around them. Specifically, we employ the narrative structure of the late medieval poem Divine Comedy, by Dante Alighieri, and draw on its moral universe to explore the scientific virtues. Using this narrative device, we make the case for virtue ethics being a reliable guide for all matters scientific. As such, this work lays out a modern code of conduct for science.
Anthea R. Lacchia and Stephen Webster
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RC1: 'Comments on La Commedia Scientifica: Dante and the Scientific Virtues', Fabien Medvecky, 24 Jul 2020
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RC2: 'La Commedia Scientifica', Anonymous Referee #2, 17 Sep 2020
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AC2: 'Response to Referee 2', Anthea Lacchia, 14 Dec 2020
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AC2: 'Response to Referee 2', Anthea Lacchia, 14 Dec 2020
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AC1: 'Response to Referee 1', Anthea Lacchia, 14 Dec 2020
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RC2: 'La Commedia Scientifica', Anonymous Referee #2, 17 Sep 2020
Anthea R. Lacchia and Stephen Webster
Anthea R. Lacchia and Stephen Webster
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