The Morality of Weapons Research: Why it is Wrong to Design Weapons

Description

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. Front Matter ....Pages i-xvi Morality and the Harm Principle (John Forge)....Pages 1-11 The Nature of Weapons Research (John Forge)....Pages 13-27 Weapons Research is Morally Wrong (John Forge)....Pages 29-46 Defence and Deterrence (John Forge)....Pages 47-64 No Justification for Weapons Research (John Forge)....Pages 65-75 The Changing Contexts of Weapons Research (John Forge)....Pages 77-93 Back Matter ....Pages 95-103