Employing theological ethics to draft a professional ethic in research

Abstract

This paper argues for a professional ethic in research and the contribution of theological ethics thereto. The author points out that although theological ethics is poor at dealing with issues related to professional ethics and its application to research, theological ethics can nevertheless make a meaningful contribution towards a professional ethic for research. It is also emphasised that although there is very limited (South African) literature on this topic, some theological ethics studies can contribute towards the understanding of such ethics. The author works with a triple helix approach to (theological) ethics. This approach to ethics is built upon the concept of responsible acts (Douma), making decisions (Fisher) and a growth ethic (Burggraeve). The article concludes with pointers for a professional ethic in research from seen from theological ethics. “Most universities have not done all they should to protect the integrity of their research” (Bok 2003:77).