Personal concerns and democratic ethicsintereses

Abstract

This article examines the purposes of ethics in scientific research when there are conflicts arising from personal interests. There are many aspects to be considered, with implications that reach all participants of the research: the researcher, the subject, the institution where the research is carried through, the ethics committees, the society and the scientific community in general. The conclusion is that personal interests are widespread and conflicting in the academic field, but unavoidable. The progress of science would be to recognize them and to manage them properly, and not to eradicate them. The only practice morally acceptable is to expose them clearly, and always to be submited to the ethics committees and do not cause damage to life of the subjects.