The textbook may be thought of as having three parts. The first consists of Chapter 1 and provides a historical and
philosophical introduction to research ethics. The chapter starts with a discussion of the nature and value of research,
going on to consider some of the instances of unethical research that have led to the development of the current system
of ethical review, the key principles and theoretical perspectives that will provide a framework for later discussion
of particular cases and ethical issues, and the role of research ethics committees. A number of these issues are taken
up again and explored more critically, in the light of new biotechnological developments and the changing relationship
between science and society, in the final two chapters.