There have been many scientists in Doctor Who – some friendly, some misguided, and some downright evil. As a doctor of social science myself, it is clear to me that ethics in the Whoniverse is not a thing. If ever you’ve had to fill out an ethics approval form for a university, you will know what I mean. One of the principle tenets of ethics is non-maleficence meaning “to do no harm” – tell that to Davros!
Of course, not all scientists are bad in Doctor Who. Some even become friends with the Doctor. Liz Shaw was definitely a good one, as were Zoe and Nyssa, even if she did know so little about telebiogenesis. This week, we’re considering the scientists of Doctor Who, those test tube rattlers and researchers who save or endanger whole civilisations.
Code Nine x
