Jurisprudential

Novas Holocaust on Trial resources address the central issue, should the experimental data
and knowledge gained from the unethical treatment of the Jews be accepted into the collective
base of science knowledge?
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/holocaust/textindex.html
1. Answer: Should the results gained form the Nazi human experiments
be used in the science record?
At this point, I think that the data should be used. Although the experiments
and results came from unethical practices it could now be used to better
medicine. I do not particularly think that the entire science record should
explain the details, but useful information could be published if it will help
people today and advance medical practices.
2. Revised Opinion:
After reading the 14 counterarguments, I am undecided. I understand both
sides of the argument. On one hand, I think that the goal of science is to
produce new knowledge. If, during unethical conducted experiments, one
valid scientific fact is produced, it should be used to advance medical
practices. For example, the information contained from the hypothermia
experiments could be used to save human lives. However, the conduct of
Nazi physician-scientists was barbarous, revolting, and monstrous, devoid of
any decency. Some believe that it would be morally wrong to use others
suffering and pain as a result of scientific research.
With this being said, I am undecided. I have read the information and I
understand both sides of the argument. In the case that the research/results
would benefit the health care of society I am 100% for using the data. But in
the case that it is used just to publish with no benefits to society I am
opposed.
3. How would you use the website it in the classroom?
When it comes to this website, it could be used multiple ways in the
classroom depending on content objectives and grade level. With younger
grades, the situation could be altered. The students could be asked the
question, Should poisonous gas be used to kill a large population of
spiders? Although it is a different situation, it is a similar ethical dilemma.
When it comes to older grades, depending on maturity, I think that this full
website could be utilized. Even though this information is unethically sad it is
part of history.
An activity that can be used with this website could include developing a
structured debate. It could have two opposing sides. Each of the students
would have an opportunity to explain their thoughts and beliefs, but also
have the opportunity to change their opinions. This would be a great task
allowing all students to speak their opinions provide input on the topic.