GS4 · 10 marks · 150 words

While scientific research drives technological progress and societal development, its funding often raises ethical questions. What ethical concerns arise from corporate sponsorship of scientific research, and how can these be addressed?

Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025

Corporate GovernanceTechnology and EthicsConflict of InterestDimensions of EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

Syllabus: Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.

How toppers approached it

From all 4 answers · about 190 words · 50% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • No separate opening3 of 4
  • A quotation1 of 4

Body

  • Points and prose2 of 4
  • Points2 of 4

Close

  • A summary2 of 4
  • No separate close1 of 4
  • A way forward1 of 4

The toppers’ answers

Ishan BhatnagarAIR 5 · CSE 2025 · 162 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

Robert Merton had famously opined that since the 20th century, scientific research has been "colonized" by corporate and the state. This points to how universal welfarist orientation of research is imparted by "defense anxiety" and profit motives.

Body · points and prose

Ethical concerns from Corporate sponsorship

1.> Profit is overriding motive, not welfare. eg> Neglect of "low profit" tropical diseases like malaria. 2.> Using IP protections to restrict access to fruits. eg> evergreening of patents. 3.> Violating universalist ethics like sacredness of life. eg> designer babies. 4.> No engagement with societal effects. eg> AI research without considering automation risks. 5.> Gandhiji's sin of "Science without humanity" - GMOs destroying the environment, pollution due to energy intensive products etc.

Diagram
Benefits of sponsorship - increases investment in science - Drives innovation. eg> Google - Attuned to market need & demand. eg> ChatGPT 4-0

Close · a summary

Addressing ethical concerns -

1> Principled scientific research on humanism & environmentalism. 2> Regulatory oversight to ensure fairness, informed consent, risk reduction. 3> Follow Oviedo Convention on Bioethics - respect for human rights. 4> Global consensus. eg> GPAI

Hence, scientific humanism and inclusive welfare should guide scientific research.

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