The Issue of Referencing to Contemporaries in the light of Ethics in Research

Refrainment of some scholars from quoting their contemporaries in their writings is among serious impediments of the field of research. Due to somereasons, they refrain from quoting their contemporary scholars. The main reasons for refraining from quoting the contemporaries are: 1. Unawareness; 2. Mistrust; 3. Competition; 4. Hatred; 5. Friendly considerations; and 6. Self-aggrandizement. Due to whatever reason that it may take place, besides being ethically wrong, it will lead to scientific poverty and negative judgment of others in the long run, with consequences that are not in the interest of anybody including those who commit such acts. Some of the consequences of such acts are: 1. Beginning from square one, 2. Generalization; 3. Lack of mutual reference; 4. General poverty in the field of references; 5. Negative judgment of other scientific communities; and 6. Defamation of those who use such methods. Hence it is obligatory on the part of researchers to set aside their personal considerations and quote their contemporaries who have produced serious works. This procedure, either on the basis of utilitarian criteria or ethical values, is in the interest of researchers and the scientific community.