Culture, values and ethics of animal scientists

Abstract

Abstract Ethnicity and culture are defined. Culture is recognized as the shared values and worldview of a race, nation, or professional group. Values are the objectives that matter most to a person or cultural group to which priority of interest is consistently given in time, energy, resources, wealth and education. Ethics defines the moral component of decisions reflecting self-interest or concern about the well-being of others. For professional agricultural scientists Culture, Values and Ethics are closely linked. Their role is evaluated as servants of society, seeking to fulfil the Inalienable Rights of each person as recognised by the Declaration of Independence: Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. The cultural assumptions and commonly-held values of agricultural scientists are examined. Links between scientists and business interests mean that the culture and values of commerce inform and steer decisions by the former. The changing culture of Western society is now embracing values beyond cheap food. Radical changes in the culture, values and ethics of animal scientists are needed to match the Rights of all persons in society for their food supply. Disconnection of agricultural scientists from the culture and values of business interests in the food chain is advocated on the lines of the Declaration of Independence.