Governance of dual-use research: an ethical dilemma.
Scenarios where the results of well-intentioned scientific research can be used for both good and harmful purposes give rise to what is now widely known as the 'dual-use dilemma'. There has been growing debate about the dual-use nature of life science research with implications for making biological weapons. This paper reviews several controversial publications that have been the focus of debates about dual-use life science research and critically examines relevant policy developments, particularly in the United States of America. Though the dual-use dilemma is inherently ethical in nature, the majority of debates about dual-use research have primarily involved science and security experts rather than ethicists. It is important that there is more ethical input into debates about the governance of dual-use research.
Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics (CAPPE), Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia. michael.selgelid@anu.edu.au
Michael J
MJ
Selgelid
D001690:Biological Science Disciplines / Q000941:ethics* / Q000592:standards; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000941:ethics* / Q000592:standards; D023482:Bioterrorism; D003264:Containment of Biohazards; D005818:Genetic Engineering / Q000941:ethics; D006805:Human Experimentation / Q000941:ethics / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000941:ethics* / Q000379:methods; D011640:Public Policy; D012637:Security Measures / Q000941:ethics / Q000592:standards