Thursday 5 November 2009 17.30

Venue: St Cross College St Cross Room

Organised by Ethox Centre

Speaker: Dr Mark Sheehan (Ethox Centre)

Abstract: There is a growing body of literature that has launched severe attacks on the imposition of systems of ethical oversight and governance within the social sciences. These criticisms question the value, need and appropriateness of governance arrangements. Some authors, indeed, have claimed that ethics review of social research is unethical. Others criticise particular forms of governance or aspects of the procedures required within the ethics review process.

In this paper we respond to some of the arguments attacking ethics review processes made in this literature. More significantly however we consider the nature of the relationship between social research and society such that it might be proper for society to have something to say about research that is conducted within its boundaries. We go on to consider the justification of a particular system of governance that satisfies this relationship and avoids certain kinds of problems.

The seminar will be followed by drinks and a dinner, so please could all those interested email ethics@philosophy.ox.ac.uk to book a place for the talk and dinner if requested.

For more information on this event, please contact: ethics@philosophy.ox.ac.uk