The Morality of Weapons Research
Why it is Wrong to Design Weapons
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Beschreibung
This book addresses the morality of engaging in weapons research, a topic that has been neglected but which is extremely important. It is argued that this activity is both morally wrong and morally unjustifiable, and this implies that moral persons should not engage in it. The argument is not based on any pacifist assumptions: it is not assumed that neither individuals nor states should not defend themselves. What is wrong with weapons research is that it is the first step in the production of weapons, weapons are the means to harm, and harming without justification is always wrong. Those who study science, for instance those who are interested in the responsibilities of the scientist, are given a new perspective, while those who are practicing scientists will realize that they should not consider working to design new or improved weapons systems. This book is of interest to students and researchers working in ethics and technology, philosophy of technology, military ethics, and history of technology.
This book addresses the morality of engaging in weapons research, a topic that has been neglected but which is extremely important. It is argued that this activity is both morally wrong and morally unjustifiable, and this implies that moral persons should not engage in it. The argument is not based on any pacifist assumptions: it is not assumed that neither individuals nor states should not defend themselves. What is wrong with weapons research is that it is the first step in the production of weapons, weapons are the means to harm, and harming without justification is always wrong. Those who study science, for instance those who are interested in the responsibilities of the scientist, are given a new perspective, while those who are practicing scientists will realize that they should not consider working to design new or improved weapons systems. This book is of interest to students and researchers working in ethics and technology, philosophy of technology, military ethics, and history of technology.
Covers a gap in the literature on just war theory and related issues Shows why it is morally wrong to design new weapons systems Appeals to both philosophers, members of other academic disciplines, and a more general audience
Autor*in
John Forge
Themen in »The Morality of Weapons Research«
ethics of weapons research weapons as the means to harm justification for weapons research outcomes of weapons research just war theory weapons research and morality weapons to prevent harm weapons and ethics research ethics weapons design common morality defence and deterrence philosophy of technology
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“Forge succeeds in showing that weapons research presents a formidable challenge for practical ethics. How to deal with it remains to be seen. In this sense, The Morality of Weapons Research is a useful starting point for further debate among philosophers interested in the study of armed conflict.” (Alex Leveringhaus, Metascience, Vol. 30, August 6, 2021)
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