Re:Why the Government Isn't a Bigger Version of a Startup
by ISL on Tuesday November 12, 2019 @09:22PM
(#21520638)
Should I be happy that someone researching weapons systems that might be pointed at me found my work useful? That's a strange definition of progress.
It is far from proven that a world without nuclear weapons is necessarily a world with more war.
We should not strive to get better at everything. Improving our ability to cause one another pain for its own end, for example, is cruel and inhuman. To me, the point of scientific research is a deeper understanding of Nature.
Agreed that the United States is actively engaged in armed conflict, but the integrity of our nation is arguably facing greater threats from within; a difficulty we must find our way through together.
Agreed that not all defense projects are classified -- that was a simplification. Many of the projects for which my skills are suited are classified. I'm perfectly happy accepting DARPA or similar funds for peaceful research.
It is far from proven that a world without nuclear weapons is necessarily a world with more war.
We should not strive to get better at everything. Improving our ability to cause one another pain for its own end, for example, is cruel and inhuman. To me, the point of scientific research is a deeper understanding of Nature.
Agreed that the United States is actively engaged in armed conflict, but the integrity of our nation is arguably facing greater threats from within; a difficulty we must find our way through together.
Agreed that not all defense projects are classified -- that was a simplification. Many of the projects for which my skills are suited are classified. I'm perfectly happy accepting DARPA or similar funds for peaceful research.