ethical-dilemmas-in-science
The tension between pure scientific pursuit and moral judgement as embodied by key characters.
2 chapters across 2 books
Ball Lightning (2018)Cixin Liu
The 'Preamble' chapter serves as an introductory overview of the novel 'Ball Lightning,' outlining the protagonist Chen's traumatic experience witnessing his parents' death by ball lightning and his subsequent lifelong obsession with understanding the phenomenon. It also introduces the broader narrative conflicts involving scientific pursuit, military interests, and moral dilemmas, setting the stage for a story that blends particle physics with philosophical and cosmological speculation.
Between the Strokes of Night (1985)Charles Sheffield
The chapter depicts a tense and emotionally charged scene in a scientific facility where two Kodiak bears, Dolly and Jinx, are undergoing experimental hibernation-like states. Dolly's condition deteriorates despite the scientists' efforts to stabilize her, leading to her death, while the team prepares to awaken Jinx cautiously. The narrative explores the challenges and ethical dilemmas of pushing biological limits in experimental cryogenic or hibernation research.