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

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.

Introduction.- Chapter 1: The Nature of Weapons Research.- Chapter 2: Weapons as the Means to Harm.- Chapter 3: Defence as Justification for Weapons Research.- Chapter 4. The Outcomes of Weapons Research.- Chapter 5: Just War Theory and Weapons Research.- Conclusion.

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)

John Forge attended the universities of Oxford, Cornell and University College London and obtained degrees in science and philosophy. His academic career has been spent in Departments of History and Philosophy of Science and Science and Technology Studies in Australia, altls!