We've discussed the scientific aspects of nuclear weapons for the past few months, but that is just one angle needed to understand and appreciate the nature of these WMD. It is important to also describe the human element as well. Over the next few days, we will conduct in-class discussions involving the following topics covering ethics, proliferation, and even theology.

Starting on Tuesday, April 22nd, four groups will lead discussions on two of the subjects listed below. In order to treat the topics with an objective mindset, one group will be "for", and another "against". The groups will summarize their thoughts in 5-7 minutes, and and rest of their alloted time (half the class) will be a discussion forum involving everyone. The remaining four groups will conduct their debates on Thursday, April 24th.

You must choose your topic and debate team no later than April 15th.. Choose a topic, then choose "pro" or "con". It's best to email me your decision, stop by my office, or tell me in class. Topic allocation will be on a first-come, first serve basis.

1. Is the use of nuclear weapons ever justified? Was there another way to end WWII? What is the likelihood that nuclear weapons will be used again, and if so where?

2. The terrorist attacks of September 11th were carried out on economic and military targets which would also ensure a high civilian casualty toll. Some consider the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to be similarly motivated. Compare and contrast these two situations.

3. Edward Teller argued that we needed to develop the hydrogen bomb, because if we didn't someone else would. By the same token, it can be argued that Claus Fuchs sold Manhattan Project secrets to the Soviet Union to restore the balance of power and prevent global hegemony by the United States. Should other nations be allowed to pursue nuclear (or other) weapons programs in the name of self-defense or local power balance?

4. Is it true that if certain nations develop nuclear weapons, they will use them against their enemies, or will sell the weapons to terrorist groups (or is this just an example of fear-mongering)?

5. It is possible to win a nuclear war.

6. Nuclear weapons could be considered the ultimate evil which man has brought to the Earth. What are the religious ramifications of their developmentand use? Would a benevolent God have allowed their creation and use? What are the implications of nuclear weapons toward religion?

The following links may be useful in finding information not only for this execrise, but also for your eventual paper:

• Pursuing a New Nuclear Weapons Policy for the 21st Century, by C. Paul Robinson, President and Director, Sandia National Laboratories

• Nuclear Posture Review [Excerpts] (submitted to US Congress on December 31, 2001)

• Center for Defense Information -- Nuclear Issues -- repository of articles relating to proliferation and US foreign policy

• Nuclear Control Institute -- Wealth of information on all things nuclear

• Federation of American Scientists -- Another repository of issues involving proliferation

• Missions for Nuclear Weapons after the Cold War -- lengthy document! Could be a good paper reference for anyone interested

• Nuclear Weapons Data from the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists