Knowledge production is generally seen in a positive light. However, when ethics and morality are involved in the production process, judgments will undoubtedly be made that might appear to limit the availability of this knowledge. Ethical judgments are based on the combination of a knower, his or her criterion of value, and the situation itself. In the arts and natural sciences, ethics plays a crucial role in how far one can go in discovering new knowledge. Reason and emotion are important means of knowing that help guide those who know how to make certain moral decisions. Both modes of knowing can be associated with teleological or deontological arguments; ethics is based on either a goal-oriented or obligation-oriented mindset. In this essay I will discuss the limitations placed on the arts and natural sciences as fields of knowledge. To what extent do ethical implications hinder the way art can be produced or the methods involved in expanding society's scientific knowledge? To begin with, what is the definition of art? Art can be anything that expresses something, embodies an artistic or aesthetic intention, or demonstrates a creative choice. Based on this creator-centered definition, it can be argued that art is purely a form of individual expression and, therefore, artistic creation should not be hindered by ethical considerations. Tattoos as works of art provide a great example of this problem. However, one can take it from the viewer's perspective and argue that because art heavily involves the emotion and response of a community after viewing it, the message behind what is presented is what should actually be judged. To what extent do ethical judgments limit the path... middle of document ... the general approach to ethics will consider the creation of the greatest good and the least evil. Although subject to change in different cultures, the societal norm of imposing an ethical code helps us set the “right” boundary between fields of knowledge, including the arts and natural sciences. As I said before, this comes with many complications, as scientists and artists are placed in situations where they must face the fine line between having a scientific/artistic role or an ethical role in creating knowledge opportunities. Works CitedMcKie, Robin. “The Ethics of Animal Testing: Inside the Lab Where Marmosets Get Parkinson's Disease.” The Observer. Guardian News and Media, October 13, 2013. Web. February 9, 2014. Rojas December 28, Rick. “Claremont Church Nativity Scene Replaces Jesus with Trayvon Martin.” Los Angeles Times. Np, December 28, 2013. Web. February 10. 2014.