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National Science Foundation Award #9114699

Advanced Marine Technology and Historic Shipwrecks: Conflicting Values and Principles of Professional Responsibility

Investigator(s):

Robert Ballard (PI) ; James Broadus (Co-PI) ; D. Gallo (Co-PI) ; W. Kenneth Stewart (Co-PI)

Sponsor:

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, MA 02543 5085481400

Start Date/Expiration Date

1991-09-01 to 1995-08-31 (amended 1994-02-14)

Awarded Amount to Date:

$129,121

Abstract: Recent advances in marine exploration technologies are revolutionizing capabilities to find and use submerged cultural resources such as historic shipwrecks. The pace of these technological developments seems to have outstripped institutional abilities to protect these resources. This situation presents problems and value conflicts for marine scientists and engineers who develop these technologies. To understand and resolve these problems requires consideration of the effects of technology development, the influence of legal rules and ethical norms, and the structure of institutions such as markets, through which submerged resources are appropriated. This project will employ theory and methods from the fields of ethics, law, economics, policy analysis, archeology, marine technology, and resource management to identify and characterize these factors. It will include careful consideration of the ethical problems and responsibilities facing marine scientists and engineers concerned about the impacts of new technologies they develop. Research will be undertaken by an interdisciplinary team, including advisors and consultants, who will prepare papers and meet in planning sessions and at professional society meetings as well as at a workshop planned for the summer, 1993. The investigators will conduct a series of guided discussions in workshop settings to progress toward the development of widely accepted principles of professional responsibility in this field, curricula, and enlarged public consideration of issues and values in protection and exploitation of marine cultural resources. The topic of this proposal is of high priority for Ethics and Values Studies. The qualifications and track record of these investigators and their associated consultants and advisors are excellent. The project provides an important test for theories and methodologies to study issues of professional responsibility in the development and dissemination of new technologies. Results will be useful for a wide range of individuals and groups. The proposal is recommended for support.

NSF Org:

SBE - Directorate for Social, Behavioral & Economic Sciences

Award Number:

9114699

Award Instrument:

Standard Grant

Program Manager:

Rachelle D. Hollander
SBE Directorate for Social, Behavioral & Economic Sciences
SBE Directorate for Social, Behavioral & Economic Sciences

NSF Program(s):

SPECIAL PROGRAMS-RESERVE, SPECIAL PROGRAMS-RESERVE

Field Application(s):

Ethical Considerations, Science Technology Assess

Program Reference Code(s):

ETHICS AND VALUES STUDIES, 7915

Program Element Code(s):

9145
, 9145