Related Experiment Videos
The morality of weapons research.
1School of Science, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia. J.Forge@sct.gu.edu.au
Science and Engineering Ethics
|September 15, 2004
Summary
Weapons research is ethically complex. Engineers bear responsibility for weapon applications, with justification requiring assurance of use only in a just cause.
Area of Science:
- Engineering Ethics
- Philosophy of Technology
- Military Technology
Background:
- The ethical implications of weapons research are a significant concern for engineers.
- Engineers are responsible for the applications of the tools they design, including weapons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the ethical justification of weapons research.
- To define the professional responsibilities of engineers in relation to weapons development.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical analysis of engineer's responsibility.
- Ethical examination of 'defensive' weapons research.
- Development of criteria for justifiable weapons research.
Main Results:
- Weapons research is not inherently unjustifiable.
- The concept of 'defensive' weapons research is critically examined and found lacking.
- Engineers have a duty to avoid providing means to harm, but exceptions exist.
Conclusions:
- Weapons research can be justified under strict conditions.
- Justification requires a high degree of certainty that outcomes will serve a just cause and be used as a just means.