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.
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Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9783319926063
Publisert
2018
Utgiver
Vendor
Springer
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter