The article discusses opposition research as a tool to gather potentially damaging information about political opponents. While the morality of the intentions behind such research may be questioned, the act of utilizing accurate information to enable informed decisions is seen as ethically sound. It underscores the complexity regarding the ethical motives of researchers and their impact on the credibility of gathered information. Interestingly, it suggests that unethical sources could inadvertently provide valuable insight, while ethically-driven research might still cause harm if not conducted carefully.
While motives are relevant to assessing ethics, the morality of the motives is distinct from the morality of the research and its results.
The intent is to provide citizens with relevant and true information so they can make informed decisions, is morally laudable.
This is distinct from considering the ethics of the researchers when assessing their credibility. After all, bias reduces credibility and is relevant when assessing their likely honesty.
For example, a selfish and corrupt politician might expose a worse villain.
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