Weapons of mass destruction

• Weapons of mass destruction

  Weapons of mass destruction are designed to kill large numbers of people or destroy large areas.
• Nuclear weapons

  devices that explode through a nuclear reaction releasing a huge amount of energy. Those not killed in the initial blast may suffer from radiation poisoning.
• Chemical weapons

  weapons which use a chemical agent to cause a range of symptoms, including respiratory failure, burns, blisters, vomiting, convulsions, blindness and death. The use of chemical weapons is banned under international law
• Biological weapons

  weapons which make use of some sort of virus or disease to infect many people and spread through populations. The use of biological weapons is banned under international law
• Arguments in favour of weapons of mass destruction

  • If two countries have nuclear weapons, they will hesitate to attack one another because the other country could destroy them. This is known as mutually assured destruction (MAD).

  • Biological and chemical weapons can kill large numbers of people without damaging infrastructure (roads, buildings etc).
• What is one argument against the production of nuclear weapons related to financial resources?

  Nuclear weapons are incredibly expensive to produce, and the money could be better spent on healthcare or education.
• Why is the destruction caused by nuclear weapons a concern?

  The incredible destruction cannot justify their existence, as large areas can remain contaminated by radiation for decades.
• What risks are associated with nuclear weapons beyond their use in warfare?

  There is always the risk of a nuclear accident or that a rogue nation could detonate a nuclear weapon.
• What is a potential environmental impact of chemical weapons?

  Chemical weapons could poison water supplies and the soil.
• What is a significant challenge posed by biological weapons?

  The effects of biological weapons would be incredibly difficult to contain, as diseases could spread across the globe.
• What are the main arguments against weapons of mass destruction?

  • Nuclear weapons are expensive; funds could be better used for healthcare or education.
  • The destruction caused cannot justify their existence; radiation contamination lasts decades.
  • Risks of nuclear accidents or rogue nations detonating weapons.
  • Chemical weapons can poison water supplies and soil.
  • Biological weapons are difficult to contain; diseases could spread globally.
• What is the primary aim of a situation ethicist?

  To do the most loving thing in each situation
• How might a situation ethicist view the possession of nuclear weapons?

  They may feel it is the most loving thing to do in order to guarantee peace
• What is the general stance of situation ethicists on using WMDs?

  They are unlikely to regard using WMDs as loving
• What do utilitarians aim to achieve?

  To bring about the greatest good for the greatest number
• How do utilitarians evaluate actions regarding nuclear weapons?

  They may support having nuclear weapons if it guarantees peace and maximizes overall good
• What might cause some utilitarians to oppose the use of nuclear weapons?

  They might judge that the consequences of using nuclear weapons are too terrible and not worth the risk
• What is a key principle of utilitarianism regarding pleasure and pain?

  To maximize pleasure and minimize pain
• What is one reason some Christians support having nuclear weapons?

  As a deterrent to help ensure peace
• Why do some Christians reject nuclear weapons?

  They pose too great a threat to human life and the environment
• What is a common argument against all WMDs from a Christian perspective?

  They do not discriminate between soldiers and civilians
• How do the teachings of Jesus relate to the Christian opposition to WMDs?

  The destruction and loss of life caused by WMDs go against the teachings of caring for the needy and loving your neighbour
• What environmental concern is associated with the use of WMDs from a Christian viewpoint?

  They damage the environment which belongs to God
• Why might Christians argue that using WMDs is not compatible with the conditions for a Just War?

  Because they affect civilians and are not proportionate
• What is the general Christian stance on chemical and biological weapons?

  Most Christians would reject them as illegal and unethical