‘‘Dual Use’’ and ‘‘Intentionality’’: Seeking to Prevent the Manifestation of Deliberately Harmful Objectives A Summary and Some Reflections on ‘The Advancement of Science and the Dilemma of Dual Use: Why We Can’t Afford to Fail’

摘要

The iconic destruction of the World Trade Towers in New York on the 11th September, 2001 marks a watershed in human affairs. The present dangers faced collectively by many societies take various guises including scenarios in which bombs with or without added radioactive isotopes, poison gas and pathogenic microorganisms could be employed. How can disasters planned by individuals and groups who seek to harm societies be prevented? How can the provision of such groups with the tools of destruction be prevented? And how can the unwitting creation of means whereby those skilled in the art may fabricate agents of even greater destructive power be prevented?