Ethics of Engineering Weapons Design

Annotated Outline Draft #1

Ethics and Philosophy in Engineering
ENMA 480
By: Student Achiever

Instructor: Dr. Charles Daniels

Honor Pledge:
I pledge to support the Honor System of Old Dominion University. I
will refrain from any form of academic dishonesty or deception, such as
cheating or plagiarism. I am aware that as a member of the academic
community, it is my responsibility to turn in all suspected violators of
the Honor System. I will report to an Honor Council hearing if summoned.

Signature:

Abstract/Objective:
Engineering weapon design is a very lucrative industry for engineers. However, moral and ethical implications arise when discussing this topic. On one
hand, some of the best technological advancements are achieved as a direct
result of the research and engineering design for military weapons purposes.
On the other hand, a fundamental ethical code that all engineers must follow is the serving and protecting of the public. Therefore, interesting ethical
dilemmas arise; a government usually funds engineering weapons projects, so
an engineer is playing a pivotal role is maintaining the safety and well-being
of the citizens of that government. However, the implications of engineering
and designing a weapon may result in the death of millions of people. And,
at some point in the future may result in a major technological advancement
that will change the world. Due to the massive implications of creating such
a weapon, it is very difficult to justify which entity is doing the greater good,
and whether it is ethical to engineer weapons, even if it is culturally and
socially acceptable to do so. To compound the implications more, the engineers job is at risk if he/she decides to not participate in the engineering
of the weapon. Therefore, the ethics of engineering weapons design must be
explored.

Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Overview of Ethics and Morals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 Historical Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3 Lasting Effects Due to Weapons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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2 Responsibilities of a Weapons Engineer

2.1 Engineering Code of Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2 Moral and Ethical Dilemmas of Weapons Engineering . . . . .

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3 Weapon Design Types and Uses

3.1 Civilian Weapon Design . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2 Military Weapon Design . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2.1 Weapons of Mass Destruction . . . . .
3.3 Defensive Weapon Design . . . . . . . . . . .
3.4 Offensive Weapon Design . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.5 National Allegiance and Usage of the Weapons

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4 Conclusion
4.1 Potential Technological Advances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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5 Appendices

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List of Figures

Introduction

Instructions: Define both ethics and morals and its application to engineering
weapons design. A historical background will also be presented with the
lasting effects created due to the use of such weapons.
1.1

Overview of Ethics and Morals

1.2

Historical Background

1.3

Lasting Effects Due to Weapons

Responsibilities of a Weapons Engineer

Instructions: This section should detail the responsibilities of an engineer as

defined by the Engineers Code of Ethics. Therefore, the Engineers Code of
ethics should be quoted and cited in order to properly discuss the moral and
ethical dilemmas associated with weapons engineering.
2.1

Engineering Code of Ethics

2.2

Moral and Ethical Dilemmas of Weapons Engineering

Weapon Design Types and Uses

Instructions: Provide a detailed description of the ethics associated with civilian weapons design and military weapons design. When discussing military
weapons design, it will prove to be important to discuss weapons of mass
destruction. In addition, the difference between defensive weapons and offensive weapons must be discussed, since both have different moral and ethical
implications associated. It is also important to discuss national allegiance
and the potential uses of the weapons (including the killing of citizens).

3.1

Civilian Weapon Design

3.2

Military Weapon Design

3.2.1

Weapons of Mass Destruction

3.3

Defensive Weapon Design

3.4

Offensive Weapon Design

3.5

National Allegiance and Usage of the Weapons

Conclusion

Instructions: Provide a brief summary of the most important arguments

posed above. Using those arguments, reinforce the ethics and morals associated with engineering weapons design. Then, discuss the potential technological advances associated with weapons design and evaluate the advantages
and disadvantages of engineering weapons design with potential technological
advances.
4.1

Potential Technological Advances

Appendices