S.B. – 22
Amorality Principle in Science

As of 11/13/17

The Amorality Principle states that science does not judge or evaluate the moral values of the events observed. “Amorality” does not mean that scientists are without morality, but that in inquiry they attempt to be objective. The nature of inquiry in science stresses a professional standard. One must observe without assigning a value.

Advances in physical sciences and technology have made urgent the need for social controls of the power that humans have discovered. As humans progress in the natural sciences, it becomes imperative that progress also be made in the behavioral sciences in order to manage these advancements.

The development of physical science has produced weapons of extreme devastation – bombs and missiles with enough power to wipe all life off the earth. Some argue that science must be put on a shelf, and humans must get better before science is again used. Yet an even stronger case can be presented to support the position that only the application of more science can help us. It is the scientific, experimental approach to behavior that holds the key to the future. Why not use the best technique available to study behavior? If we apply our scientific knowledge to the solutions of behavioral problems, we can face the future with the certainty that there will be peace, plenty, health, and happiness for all.

Science Findings are not Good or Bad: Scientific findings are neither intrinsically “good” nor “bad.” Science is a search only for what is. Conditioning or learning principles as used in modifying behavior can be considered, if one desires, as a “divine gift,” a means to a “good life” or capable of good works. These conditioning principles need not be viewed as an enemy of religion or humane treatment of humans. The abuses of conditioning, like tranquilizers, heart transplants, alcohol, drugs, space travel, atomic energy, and so on, are obvious. The challenge appears to be to guide the direction of usage, not oppose the best evidence about behavior, but here again, this “guiding” can most effectively be accomplished through the use of “behavioral” techniques.

Misuse of Science is Behavior: The use and misuse of any scientific advancement is itself behavior. As we understand and control behavior we can better understand and control the misuse of science. This at least appears as a ray of hope.

22-1. Scientific findings are intrinsically either good or bad.
A. True
B. False

Answer. (B)

22-2. Science is a study of __________.

Answer. (what is)

22-3. The use and misuse of science is behavior.
A. True
B. False

Answer. (A)