The Spectrum of Ethical Issues Associated with the Military Support of Science and Technology

Abstract

Philosophical and ethical issues associated with the relations between science, technology, and the military have been largely ignored by the contemporary professional philosophical community. This is not so true with regard to philosophers in the past, particularly political philosophers, or with nonprofessional philosophers in the present. For example, physical and biological scientists who have been involved in military or military‐funded projects, as well as social scientists (especially psychologists, economists, and historians), have initiated a number of relevant discussions.The discipline of philosophy can, however, contribute to existing discussions by 1) offering conceptual clarifications of some empirical questions; 2) providing a framework for general interdisciplinary reflection; 3) promoting the synthesis of relevant information and arguments; and 4) offering criticism of some theoretical presuppositions entertained and positions advanced. To initiate such contributions, this introduction will indicate something of the general historicophilosophical background, then turn to a quick review of more immediate post‐World War II discussions. Along the way it will indicate some philosophical, often ethical, questions that deserve to be addressed. A conclusion will consider the role of ethics in its various dimensions.