030059 SE Seminar in Public Law: Cutting Edge Science (2016S)

Content: Science can be a curse or a blessing: A lot of its findings save our lives, extend or improve it; but research can also pose a threat to humans. Society realized the pressing need for ethical standards after the horrifying medical experiments of the Third Reich. Even experiments that are conducted in good faith, can cost lives, as a recent French drug study has shown. There are further risks involved: what if a virus escaped from a laboratory and caused plagues; if research results fell into the hands of terrorists or if drones and robots were used for systematic killing? Even research of social sciences and humanities could become dangerous. Imagine if the results of emotion research were used to manipulate consumer behavior; if research studies promoted discrimination against minorities; or if legal opinions were endorsed by politicians for illicit policies: Is research ever neutral?
Although the general public is increasingly sensitive to this topic and often demands restrictions, laws prohibiting research are rare exceptions. In this vacuum of regulations, a large variety of soft law is developing. These soft laws are establishing recommendations for good, ethically acceptable research. Compliance with these recommendations determines whether research is funded or whether research results are published.
We want to examine, how risks and opportunities of research activities are identified, at what point science becomes controversial, at what point states have to take regulatory action and what regulatory measures fit the purpose?

Objective: This seminar wants to strengthen the student’s capability of scientific working. Since this is an emotionally-discussed field, a high level of rationality is required to assess possible solutions. .

Teaching and learning method: drafting of a thesis, presentation, and participation in group discussions.