How (not) to be held accountable in research: The case of the Dutch integrity code

The article starts with a concise explanation of the nature and role of values and norms. I emphasize the ethical and political importance of making explicit how values are interpreted and which norms are taken to advance them in concrete situations. Next, I apply this account in a critical examination of the recent Netherlands Code of Conduct for Research Integrity. The conclusion is that this code is based on a flawed conception and an inadequate analysis of the nature and role of values and norms in science. Finally, I briefly sketch how the defects of the integrity code might be remedied by developing policies based on the broader notion of the public interest of science.

Automated summary

The article begins by explaining the nature and role of values and norms, emphasizing the ethical and political importance of clearly interpreting values and adopting relevant norms in specific situations. It then critically examines the recent Netherlands Code of Conduct for Research Integrity, concluding that the code is based on flawed concepts and an inadequate analysis of the nature and role of values and norms in science. Finally, a brief outline is given on how to remedy the defects of the integrity code by developing policies based on the broader notion of the public interest of science.