Ethics in Science and Mathematics

I am interested in creating a one semester "Ethics in Science and Mathematics" course. All too often our students leave their undergraduate years without having discussed the complex issues that scientists face in their professional lives. Who will use my work? How will it be used? Who will benefit by it? Who could be harmed? Are their environmental costs? Do scientists have a responsibility to understand current political issues surrounding their work? More broadly, do scientists have a responsibility to be well informed about broader cultural issues? Once you make a discovery, do you have a special responsibility to get involved in how it is used (or not used)?

In John McFee's "Rising From the Plains," he relates how a geologist discovered oil deposits in the Yellowstone caldera. He struggled with publishing his find knowing that it would lead to exploration and possible development. He finally decided it was his scientific responsibility to publish his work, and then believed he should "let the chips fall where they may." What if he had published his work, then publicly proclaimed, "and they'll develop it over my dead body." Would he be crossing a line that scientists should not venture beyond? From an ethical standpoint (outside of scientific protocal?) was he obligated to express this opinion if this view truly reflected how he felt?