scientific-responsibility
The ethical obligations of scientists when their discoveries have potentially harmful applications, especially in military contexts.
2 chapters across 2 books
Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark (1995)Carl Sagan
Chapter 16, "When Scientists Know Sin," primarily provides a bibliographic list of works related to the ethical and political implications of scientific knowledge, particularly in the context of nuclear weapons and arms control. The references highlight the complex relationship between scientific discovery, moral responsibility, and geopolitical power, underscoring the role scientists have played in both advancing and mitigating the threats posed by nuclear arms.
Red Mars (1992)Kim Stanley Robinson
The chapter depicts the escalating debate among Mars colonists over terraforming, focusing on Ann's vehement opposition to altering Mars' environment versus Sax Russell's argument in favor of transforming the planet to suit human needs. Ann accuses the scientists of playing god and destroying Mars' natural and historical integrity, while Sax counters that human consciousness and presence imbue Mars with meaning, justifying its transformation. The confrontation culminates in a public debate that highlights the philosophical divide between preservation and human-driven change.