Biology/Chemistry 465
Term Paper
Read the novel “Cantor’s Dilemma” by Carl Djerassi which presents essentially
a scientific morality play, exploring the grey area between right and wrong.
Despite the fact that the novel is a bit dated and some aspects of the biology
described are questionable at best, it provides a stark view of the demands
and stresses that develop in academic research. Although it is unlikely
(but surely not impossible!) that you will be involved in a Nobel Prize-caliber
research project, many of the same pressures and tough decisions are faced
by research scientists in various fields every day. Choose either Cantor
or Stafford and consider the many, many different choices that they made.
In light of our discussion of research practices and research integrity,
comment on the decisions of the scientist. Do not simply classify decisions
as right or wrong, but rather consider the complex social and scientific
contexts of each decision, the motivation and rationale behind it, and its
impact on other people. Limit your paper to no more than six double-spaced
pages. The final paper is due in class on Monday, May 17th.