Prompt Post #2 - Physics and the Code of Ethics

By Dan O

Physics, while not a field that handles large amounts of dangerous substances still consists of its own field of ethics and ethical actions.

These ethical actions can be outlined within this link: https://www.aps.org/policy/statements/02_2.cfm

For a physicist, ethics does not come into play during the experiment because it is not possible to have ethical flaws while studying how the macro-physics of the universe or the micro-physics of the interactions of particles. However, a scientist must record data fairly and with the utmost accuracy as possible. Even a small risk that a small amount of the data may be fudged constitutes large consequences for the credibility of the field as a whole.

Ethics is important before and after the experiment. Before the experiment, one must focus on whether the physicist has a conflict of interest within relationships between scientists.

Any professional relationship or action that may result in a conflict of interest must be fully disclosed. When objectivity and effectiveness cannot be maintained, the activity should be avoided or discontinued.

- Constitution of the American Physical Society

After the experiment is over, scientists must record their results in a manner that is both analyzable and reproducible, and then immediately produce research data to collaborators in order to ensure that the problem may be solved as efficiently as possible. Ethical flaws within releasing data includes "selective reporting of data with the intent to mislead" or "the theft of data or research results from others".

Scientists should also list all collaborators and contributors to their work. Any who have made significant contributions should be acknowledged on the cover paper and abstract of the experiment analysis. This is done not only to acknowledge all work done on the topic, but to avoid incentive of plagiarism by scientists by using one's work unfairly or not including recognition on the paper. 

Finally, in order to ensure that the data is accurate and reproducible, the scientist must have the paper peer-reviewed in order to avoid fundamental error in their work. 

Peer review can serve its intended function only if the members of the scientific community are prepared to provide thorough, fair and objective evaluations based on requisite expertise. Although peer review can be difficult and time-consuming, scientists have an obligation to participate in the process.

Privileged information or ideas that are obtained through peer review must be kept confidential and not used for competitive gain.

-Constitution of the American Physical Society

Every field and profession has their code of ethics, and physics is no exception. Even when there is little handling of dangerous chemicals, or if someone's life is not on the line, physicists deal with their own ethical dilemmas within their work and research papers. These ethical guidelines allow one to regulate their own actions and determine that they are following all the guidelines that are necessary to ensure the credibility of the physics field.