Those who apply for patents on human genes certainly seem to think so. Similar calculations can lead to a discussion of acceptable levels of risk. Many people are afraid of eating beef because of the risk of BSE, but the BSE death rate is much lower than the road accident death rate. The prosecution must adduce evidence against this hypothesis, sufficient to prove the defendant's guilt beyond reasonable doubt. A couple of our students over the past few years have considered as an exam project a survey of the extent of drug abuse among their fellow students.
Ethical problems can arise in other areas.
The mathematics of projectiles was developed almost entirely for its use in directing artillery, and various questions arise from this. Challenge students to write a plausible L.P. question in which the objective function and constraints are not primarily financial. If your course includes financial mathematics and insurance, discuss the factors a life assurance company might reasonably take into account in fixing their premiums. Statistics would probably show all these were relevant. Back to home page Compiled by John Deft , a teacher at St Brendan's Sixth Form College .