Philosophy is the attempt to answer particular questions using transparent and convincing argument. Fundamental philosophical questions are questions about our understanding of the world in general and our place in it. As a matter of principle, these questions can only be answered through controversy. The series Basic Topics in Philosophy aims to provide a space for the discussion of such fundamental philosophical questions. Instead of providing a comprehensive introductory presentation, each volume will take issue with selected historical positions in order to analyse the particular problem and discuss possible solutions. At the same time, the authors will set their own marks and take up positions, so that the result will not be merely a view of the history of philosophy, but also a systematic contribution to the problem under discussion. The volumes in the series are intended equally for students of philosophy and other subjects and for professional philosophers. In addition, the series is aimed at all those readers with an interest in fundamental questions of philosophy.

Welchen Regeln unterliegt die wissenschaftliche Praxis? Welche grundsätzlichen Fragen wirft die Forschung am Menschen auf? Unter welchen Bedingungen ist diese ethisch legitim? Wie ist die Forschung an Tieren ethisch zu bewerten? Mit diesen und anderen Fragen nimmt die Forschungsethik die Richtlinien des Forschungsprozesses unter die Lupe. Das Lehrbuch bietet eine umfassende Einführung in Grundlagen, Problemfelder und Anwendungsgebiete und stellt die methodische Herangehensweise an konkrete forschungsethische Fragestellungen vor.