Is data gathered in an unethical or immoral context still usable data by those w

1. 61

   Winter Maclenposted 9 years ago

   Is data gathered in an unethical or immoral context still usable data by those with a conscience?
   
   As an example, doctors in Nazi German did unethical, inhumane experiments but recorded data that could have scientific value.  Stem cells from aborted fetuses still providepotential keys to unlocking medical breakthroughs once the procedure is performed.  Is it ethical to take advantage of these acts for the betterment of mankind?

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2. 62

   Lisa HWposted 9 years ago

   There are people who do serious study into the area of ethics - and I'm not one of them.  The one thing that comes to mind to me (non-studier-of-Ethics) is that one should probably question what kind of information might be put together by unscrupulous people with their own agendas; and also how, exactly, they got that information in the first place.
   
   The "whole Nazi thing" aside, it's not even as if fudging data doesn't happen in places like private/state-contracted labs that might appear "perfectly ethical or capable".  Again, though, I think it's too complex an area to answer that question beyond just knowing that people who are not ethical, moral, or humane in the first place most often aren't exactly people to be trusted in general.   

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3. 86

   Amanda108posted 9 years ago

   I think it's necessary to take advantage of them, though uncomfortable. If we know something is a fact, we can't ignore it and its implications just because it was originally learned in a horribly unethical way.

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4. 73

   manatita44posted 9 years ago

   The results may indeed benefit us, true.
   
   Yogi's say that actions by themselves have no meaning. The power behind the action lies in our sincerity of purpose; purity of intent. If you can think of a God or even Conscience within, then this will make sense to you, as they will be in a position to judge every move.
   
   I can say 'thank you' and again the same 'thank you!" with entirely different meanings. With a knife I can peel fruit and cut flowers, but I can also stab someone with the same instrument. What was the motive for the inhumane experiments? Truly speaking, it is the inner conscience, or if you like, universal laws such as Karma, which eventually decides.

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