Ethics and agricultural science

An IRRI Seminar

By Robert Zimdahl
Professor emeritus
Colorado State University

1:15-2:15 P.M., Thursday, 23 May 2013
Havener Auditorium, IRRI

Abstract:

Those engaged in agriculture possess a definite but unexamined moral confidence or certainty about the correctness of what they do. This seminar will examine the origin of that confidence and question its continued validity. The basis of the moral confidence is not obvious to those who have it, or to the public. In fact, the moral confidence that pervades agriculture is potentially harmful because it is unexamined.

This presentation is based on a paper that advocates analysis of what it is about agriculture and society that inhibits or limits agriculture. All engaged in agriculture should strive to nourish and strengthen the aspects of agriculture that are beneficial and change those that are not. To do this, we must be confident to study ourselves, our institutions, and be dedicated to the task of modifying the goals of both.