Truth - the essential dimension of ethics in scholarship, teaching, learning and research

Dixon, G. R. (2007) Truth - the essential dimension of ethics in scholarship, teaching, learning and research. In: Lumpkin, T. A. and Warrington, I. J. (eds.) Proceedings of the International Symposium on Horticultural Plants in Urban and Peri-Urban Life. Acta Horticulturae. International Society Horticultural Science, Leuven 1, pp. 427-429. ISBN 9789066057005

Abstract/Summary

The introduction of metrics, league tables, performance targets, research assessment exercises and a range of other pressures placed by society, funding bodies and employers on scholars, teachers and students have resulted in diminished value being placed on the essential ethical criterion of truth. The impact of reduced valuation for truth has a huge impact on the standing of science and not least horticultural science in the eyes of the general public at a time when this should be a primary concern. This contribution discusses examples of the impact of diminished valuation of truth, the causes of this phenomenon, the results that come from this situation and remedies that are needed.