CONSTRUCTING A HIPPOCRATIC OATH FOR SCIENTISTS

This proposal suggests a short dignified ceremony in which several scientists sign the Oath in the presence of journalists from the English and International Press.

DR. NEDD WILLARD,
FORMER SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER, WHO AND FORMER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF UN SPECIAL

The theme would be that for our endangered planet there should no longer be shelters or alibis for those who contribute to its destruction and to the pain of our fellow human beings. Target groups should be those who research new killing or paralytic weapons and chemical or biological warfare.

The argument that science is value-free, and that it must in no case be impeded lest valuable discoveries be lost, is fallacious. Science is simply a paid profession in our epoch. Governments and especially the military are the main paymasters. The days of Pasteur and Sabin and Salk are behind us. Worse still is considering the advance of scientific knowledge as a commodity like any other. The active collaboration of scientists in many countries develops the instruments of pain and death for men, women and children.
To say that if the scientists, for example, who developed shrapnel made of plastic so that it could not be detected by X-rays should never have been stopped in their work, or that they contributed anything of value, is blatantly mendacious. Poison gas, chemical and biological weapons as well as perfected anti-personnel land mines are the paid work of assassins who like to think of themselves as neutral scientists engaged in research. They should be made as responsible for their work as the military or those who endanger our environment.

Fortunately, many scientists today do have a conscience and are willing to take a stand for humanity and truth. Some men have shown that they can refuse research that brings no good to our world. Some other people share those feelings. The purpose of this Oath is to form a band of those men and women who believe that science should direct its efforts to making life better and more livable for all.

At this period, particularly, many studies of the UN and non-governmental agencies have pointed out that civilians, not soldiers, are the preferred targets in war – as was blatantly shown in the 21st century. This proves there is an urgent need to make science ethically responsible.

The ceremony would take not more than an hour and a half and be presented by an honored scientist. The place could be somewhere in a renowned university, like Cambridge, where scientists will renew this pledge to humanity. After a short presentation, the text will be read aloud.

This is a propitious time for such a ceremony. What is more, those who sign it will form a Legion of Honor among scientists. This will surely be reward enough for those who are so honored and encourage others to make similar pledges.