Ethics in STEM

In order to make advancements in our society, we’ve always had to make sacrifices, for the good of society. But when these sacrifices become harmful, the practices can no longer be justified under the name of utilitarian ideals. In fact, the practices that occurred in the past must be seen in a regretful light. As much as it has helped to further progression in society, in consequence it was responsible for the suffering of innocent individuals in the name of science

The most apparent example we can take of this is Laika the space dog. She was the first dog in space, her living quarters hardly being bigger than her. She was not sent with any food, tonly a seven day oxygen limit. The only reason she was fed and taken care of before going into space was through the brief spark of kindness that existed within the hearts of scientists who were about to send her to her inevitable grave.

The capsule designed to take Laika to space (Sputnik 2), was not designed to come back. Instead the experiment was designed to study the psychological effects of extended periods of exposure to microgravity forces. Laika sat in the too small capsule, unable to move, for 3 days before the launch occurred. Hungry, scared, and confused, sat the young creature while scientists prepped for what could be argued to be one of the most unethical forms of human study on animals ever documented.

Shortly after the launch, Laika passed away from stress and overheating, a painful and slow death that should never befall a living creature. The world was not informed. Through the time that it was said she was still alive in space, protests in every corner of the world broke out. From New York to England, people were outraged at the animal abuse taking place. Yet, no one had thought to protest before the launch itself, failing to save the life of Laika. Her life only had mattered once she had died.

The dog in orbit was a fantastic spectacle that surely entertained thousands. However, how can one excuse the murder that occured in the name of a research and testing that had no benefit in the end, because the subject had faced circumstances that lead to their untimely death. The ethicality of this case and what society has learned from it continues to ring true to modern day. The sacrifices to make advancements to society can no longer come at the expense of the lives of living, breathing organisms. We cannot harm for gain.