Science and technology have a duality in that it not only brings about human development, but also brings about harm to humanity. This duality is called the dual-use problem. Furthermore, the dual-use problem brings ethical, legal (political), and social issues (ELSI) beyond the realm of science and technology. This lecture will provide an overview of the wide range of dual-use problems in nuclear, space, biotechnology, cyber, AI, etc., and will discuss with participants the ELSIs that may arise.
1) Explain the dual-use problem, including a wide range of examples.
2) Explain ELSI that may occur in relation to dual-use issues, with rationale.
Advanced Science and Technology, Dual-Use Issues, ELSI
Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | ✔ Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
Students are expected to read the relevant sections of the textbook before each class. The class will consist of lectures and discussions as necessary.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Overview of Dual-Use Issues and ELSI | Understand the dual-use issues in science and technology and the ELSI overview. |
Class 2 | Case Study: Nuclear technology | Understand the dual-use issues and ELSI surrounding nuclear power. |
Class 3 | Case Study: Space Development | Understand dual-use issues and ELSI surrounding space development. |
Class 4 | Case Study: Bioengineering | Understand dual-use issues and ELSI surrounding bioengineering. |
Class 5 | Case Study: Cyber Technology | Understand dual-use issues and ELSI surrounding cyber technology. |
Class 6 | Case Study: Artificial Intelligence (AI) | Understand dual-use issues and ELSI surrounding artificial intelligence (AI). |
Class 7 | Case Study: Unexplored Technology | Understand dual-use issues and ELSI surrounding science fiction-like unexplored science and technology. |
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Yasuo DEGUCHI, Hirotsugu OHBA (eds), Philosophy of Military Research: Dual-use of Science & Technology, Showado, 2022.
Tetsuji ISEDA, Kazuhisa TODAYAMA, Masashi SHIRABE, Yuko MURAKAMI (eds), Thinking Well About Science and Technology: Critical Thinking Practice Book, The University of Nagoya Press, 2013
Class attendance is the prerequisite for assessment. Assignments (60%) and term report (40%).
none required
By appointment. Contact by e-mail in advance.
This course is 500-level course.
Tokyo Tech’s “wedge-shaped style education” enables students to pursue liberal arts education in a phased manner throughout undergraduate and graduate programs.
Students are encouraged to take 100-level to 600-level courses in order. As such, master’s students must begin Humanities and Social Science courses at the 400 level (in 1Q/2Q of the first year for those entering in April, and 3Q/4Q for those entering in September), then proceed to 500-level courses (in 3Q/4Q or later for those entering in April, and 1Q/2Q of the following year or later for those entering in September).