Dual-Use Research Codes of Conduct: Lessons from the Life Sciences

Abstract

This paper considers multiple meanings of the expression 'dual use' and examines lessons to be learned from the life sciences when considering ethical and policy issues associated with the dual-use nature of nanotechnology (and converging technologies). After examining recent controversial dual-use experiments in the life sciences, it considers the potential roles and limitations of science codes of conduct for addressing concerns associated with dual-use science and technology. It concludes that, rather than being essentially associated with voluntary self-governance of the scientific community, codes of conduct should arguably be part of a broader regulatory oversight system.

What Is Nanotechnology, and What Should We Be Worried About?

“…James Gunn's The Immortals (1958) and Elizabeth Moon's The Serrano Legacy series (1993)(1994)(1995)(1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000) demonstrate this problem well; immortality markedly increases the gap between those who have access to treatment and those denied the privilege. Although we might consider current research into a nanoparticle anticancer drug as a wonderful, ethical way of improving the quality and duration of life (Selgelid 2009 ), will such be shared with all, given the cost of developing such treatments and the result of prior debates on the cost of retroviral medication?…”

Visions beyond Control: The Role of Art in Exploring Dual-Use Bioethics Education for Scientists

“…bioterrorism. The label used to express this concern was "dual-use", which had previously been used to designate technology that had both military and civilian uses (Selgelid, 2009). In its new version though, the terms had appropriated a normative element.…”

Possibilities, Intentions and Threats: Dual Use in the Life Sciences Reconsidered

“…The definition is explained by the list of seven experiments of concern. In a recent publication Selgelid (2009) proposes three plausible definitions of dual use science and technology:That which has both civilian and military applications;That which can be used for both beneficial/good and harmful/bad purposes, andThat which has both beneficial/good and harmful/bad purposes—where the harmful/bad purposes involve weapons, and usually weapons of mass destruction.…”