Ethics In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

When it comes to scientific methods, there are a variety of ways in which one can reach their goal. Of course, there are certain rules that one must follow when it comes to scientific research. The foremost of these rules is to abide by a certain code of ethics. In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein disregards the ethics of research, preferring to accomplish his goals without thoroughly thinking of the consequences that might arise from creating life for the dead. Of course, he wasn’t the only one ignoring the ethical guidelines of research.

An all-encompassing list of ethical standards one must abide by in the world of research can be found on the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences’ website. According to an

More specifically, the mysteries of cheating death by creating life. It was through this area of study that he procured the self-entitlement one only associates with those who try to become God. Ethically speaking, Victor Frankenstein should not have pursued his experiment. Not only does it violate a cultural tradition of allowing the dead to rest in peace, but it also goes against ethic principles put forth by the NIEHS. Technically, according to the list of ethics listed on the National Institute of Health’s website, there is nothing wrong with creating life from death. Playing god isn’t frowned upon because of religious or moral objections. Instead, it is a feared because of the unintended social consequences that might occur. Victor’s failure to even consider the possibilities, both bad and good, of what his scientific discovery might create clearly violates the code of ethics pertaining to social responsibility. In this case, reviving the dead didn’t promote social welfare or prevent harm. It did quite the opposite actually, as Victor’s creature ended up bringing fear into the hearts of many, and death to the special

Shelley indicates that his teachers also deserve a cut of the blame, as they quickly disregard the principle that highlights responsible mentoring. They were meant to help “educate, mentor, and advise students” (Resnik) such as Victor, but clearly failed to do so. They dismiss his interest in alchemy without explaining why such a study is dangerous or harmful, not only to individuals, but to the whole of the community. At the school, M. Krempe dismisses alchemists as “nonsense” while M. Waldman tells Victor that these studies “promised impossibilities and preformed nothing” (Shelley). Never once did they discuss the dangers, they just spoke of their dislike for the field, and how they found it to be worthless and unhelpful in relation to their studies. The professors fail to see that Victor’s interest in reanimation is non-fleeting and therefore fail to question him about his interest in the subject and resulting work. Their lack of notice allows for the creature’s creation and subsequent death of Victor and his