RESEARCH ETHICS AND EPISTEMOLOGY
Prof. Mariachiara Tallacchini
Faculty of Economics and Law, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Piacenza
Course Aims
The course will provide a general introduction to epistemology and its necessary connections
with research ethics, and with the contemporary concept of responsible research and innovation.
Moreover, the main ethical perspectives and ethical issues related to nonhuman animals and the
environmental will be presented and discussed, especially as far as emerging technologies in the
agro-food sector are concerned (nanotechnologies, geo-engineering, converging technologies).
Finally, the contemporary debates on uncertainties in science and on intellectual property rights
will be shortly illustrated.
Methodology
The course will be developed through lectures and discussions with students.
Students will be required to attend the course and to actively take part in the discussions.
Students’ grades will be based on their class participation and on a written exam.
Course Description
An introduction to epistemology and its connection with research ethics.
Responsible research and innovation, science and society, and the law in Europe.
An introduction to animal and environmental ethics
Uncertainties in science and technologies.
The patentability of genes and organisms.
Recommended Texts
Reading materials will be provided (posted on the web) during the class.