The Code of Ethics for Chemists between Universal Moral Values and Local Reality

Abstract

In an increasingly globalized world, threatened by resource depletion, global warming and pollution, scientists in general and the chemists in particular are obliged to rapidly integrate ethical values into their work. This article shows that the codes of ethics are a valuable aid in this process. Two real life examples are highlighted. The first one concerns a misbehaviour situation from an academic, while the second one presents the entangled political, economic and legal implications brought about by the pollution by polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) of the landfill La Pila, in the canton of Fribourg. Ultimately, the article underscores the collective responsibility of scientists, policy makers and economical players to uphold ethical excellence, for the benefit of the whole society and of everyone.