Screen LibraryDual use science and technology, ethics and weapons of mass destruction /
This book deals with the problem of dual-use science research and technology. It first explains the concept of dual use and then offers analyses of collective knowledge and collective ignorance. It goes on to present a theory of collective responsibility, followed by four chapters focusing on a part...
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| Main Authors: | |
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| Published: |
Springer,
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| Publisher Address: | Cham, Switzerland : |
| Publication Dates: | [2018] |
| Literature type: | Book |
| Language: | English |
| Series: |
SpringerBriefs in ethics,
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| Subjects: | |
| Summary: |
This book deals with the problem of dual-use science research and technology. It first explains the concept of dual use and then offers analyses of collective knowledge and collective ignorance. It goes on to present a theory of collective responsibility, followed by four chapters focusing on a particular scientific field or industry of dual use concern: the chemical industry, the nuclear industry, cyber-technology and the biological sciences. The problem of dual-use science research and technology arises because such research and technology has the potential to be used for great evil as well as for great good. On the one hand, knowledge is a necessary condition, and perhaps a constitutive feature, of technologies that contribute greatly to individual and collective well-being. Consider, for example, nuclear technology that enables the generation of low cost electricity in populations without obvious alternative energy sources. So technological knowledge is a good thing and ignorance of it a bad thing. On the other hand, these same technologies can be extremely harmful to individuals and collectives, as with the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. So, at least with respect to some technologies evidently knowledge is a bad thing and ignorance a good thing. Accordingly, the question arises as to whether we ought to limit scientific research and/or the development of technology and, if so, which research or technology, in what manner and to what extent. This book examines the answer to that question. |
| Carrier Form: | viii, 122 pages ; 24 cm. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| ISBN: |
9783319926056 3319926055 |
| Index Number: | Q180 |
| CLC: | B82-057 |
| Call Number: | B82-057/M651 |
| Contents: | Intro; Acknowledgements; Contents; 1 Introduction; References; 2 Concept of Dual Use; 2.1 Definition of Dual Use Science and Technology; 2.2 Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs); 2.3 No Means to Harm (NMH) Principle; 2.4 What Dilemma and for Whom?; 2.5 Ethical and Regulatory Dual Use Issues; 2.6 Conclusion; References; 3 Collective Knowledge and Collective Ignorance; 3.1 Collective Knowledge; 3.2 Collective Ignorance; 3.3 Collective Knowledge, Collective Ignorance and Dual Use Technology; 3.4 Conclusion; References; 4 Collective Responsibility 4.1 Scientific Freedom, Joint Action and Organisational Action4.2 Institutional and Moral Responsibility; 4.3 Collective Responsibility; 4.4 Collective Action Problems; 4.5 Conclusion; References; 5 Chemical Industry; 5.1 Past, Present and Future Threats from Dual Use R&D in the Chemical Industry; 5.2 Dual Use R&D and the Chemical Industry; 5.3 Individual and Collective Moral and Institutional Responsibility; 5.4 Collective Responsibility and the Web of Prevention; 5.5 Conclusion; References; 6 Nuclear Industry; 6.1 Dual Use Issues in Nuclear Science and Technology 6.2 Individual and Collective Moral Responsibility of Scientists6.3 Collective Action Problems in the Nuclear Industry; 6.4 Conclusion; References; 7 Cyber-Technology; 7.1 Epistemic Character of Cyber-Technology; 7.2 Identifying Dual Use Cyber-Technology; 7.3 Dual Use Cyber-Technology: Viruses, Autonomous Robots and Encryption; 7.3.1 Computer Viruses; 7.3.2 Autonomous Robots; 7.3.3 Encryption and Ransomware; 7.4 Conclusion; References; 8 Biological Sciences; 8.1 Research-Based Institutions; 8.1.1 Universities and Scientific Freedom; 8.1.2 Commercial Firms; 8.2 Regulation; 8.3 Conclusion. |