What are the goals of agricultural science? What should the goals of agricultural science be? How do and how should the practitioners of agriculture address complex ethical questions? These questions are explored in this monumental book so that those in agriculture will begin an open dialogue on the ethics of agriculture. Discussion of foundational values, of why we practice agriculture as we do, should become a central, rather than peripheral, part of agricultural practice and education. If agricultural scientists do not venture forth to understand and shape the ethical base of the future, it will be imposed by others. Largely autobiographical, this book covers topics such as scientific truth and myth, what agricultural research should be done, an introduction to ethics, moral confidence in agriculture, the relevance of ethics to agriculture, sustainability, and biotechnology. It is written by an expert who has been engaged in agricultural education and research for over 35 years. The content is easily understandable by non-philosophers. The concepts of scientific truth and myth are contrasted and compared.
It includes chapter sidebars that highlight important concepts and can be used to engage students in further discussion. Companion website will accompany the book with further teaching aids and a discussion board.