Tuesday, 16 November 2004
On Weapons (and War) Research
John Forge
Griffith University
12:05 pm, 817R Cathedral of Learning
Abstract: Weapons research is defined as (scientific)
research undertaken with the intention of designing or improving
weapons systems. Several remarks are made as to how much is spent
on weapons research, how it has transformed war – and whether
talking about it is an example of ‘philosophy of science for
the twenty-first century’. The paper addresses the issue as
to whether scientists should take part in weapons research, and
specifically how a case can be made against their taking part. It
is assumed that harming is prima facie wrong, and then
the ‘means principle’, that providing the means to harm,
is defended. It is thus argued that scientists must justify their
participation in weapons research. That such a justification can
appeal directly to the ‘character’ of certain weapons
systems as defensive or deterrent such they can only be used to
defend or deter is rejected, and in general all ‘ahistorical’
justifications, justifications that abstract from particular historical
and political states of affairs, are rejected. That leaves historical
justifications. However, these are called into question, given that
weapons research provides the means to make and improve weapons
that endure after any particular conflict that the weapons are used
for are over. Inter alia comments are made about how to redescribe
what scientists are doing when they engage in weapons research and
about primary, secondary and derivative purposes of the products
of technology. (My intention at this stage is to use PowerPoint,
unless I am dissuaded by the audience.)
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