Nuclear war is a significant phenomenon in the entire world. Ethically, the destructive potential of the current nuclear materials and weapons remains an eminent threat to the entire public (Deane-Drummond & Manley 2010, p. 14). This paper identifies the ethical dilemma notable in the nuclear weapons and medicine in general.
Analytically, it is notable that technical transformations within the design of nuclear weapons are gradually moving the entire world into an enhanced prominence on the competency to engage in war. As a result, this condition has potentially led to an increased public health risks with regard to nuclear weapons.
With the notable incidences such as the Hiroshima and Nagasaki, it is increasingly becoming evident that the lethal impacts of nuclear weapons upon application cannot be underestimated. Accordingly, it is worthwhile to address the ethical concerns regarding the application of nuclear weapons in wars.
This must be done while considering the medical concerns. Therefore, this discussion analyzes the importance of addressing the ethical concerns between medicine and the use of nuclear weapons. Furthermore, it proposes an appropriate mechanism through which the highlighted ethical concern might be addressed.
The Importance of the Ethical Issue
The ethical concern in the use of nuclear weapons and medicine is a very significant area to be addressed. Medical planning and civil defense arrangements for nuclear conflicts have presently been enhanced in most states. However, there seems to be limited evidence that such initiatives will hold crucial value following an occurrence of any nuclear war.
It is critical to note that such developments and progresses have led to increased and novel ethical dilemmas in medicine (Reyes 2010, p. 56). It is presently clear that if there looms any hazard of application of these nuclear weapons, then there is likely to be a potential controversy.
For instance, support for preclusion with the nuclear weapons, as a national or worldwide guideline, may seem contrary to the fundamental principles in medical ethics and international law. Therefore, the elementary medical obligation within these outlined conditions is to control nuclear wars and associated weaponry.
Considering the aspects of public health and medical implications is critical in this context. Concurrently, application of nuclear materials during wars remains an ethical concern (NAE & NA 2004, p. 4). Generally, it is the absolute destructive capacity of these nuclear weapons and their prospective environmental impacts that changes them to materials of genocide.
This is a critical provision when considering ethical concerns in the context of nuclear weaponry. Therefore, there looms a great deal of dilemma in the medicine field regarding the justifications behind the development of such instruments with massive and severe medical implications on the population.
Plan for the Analysis of the Ethical Issue
The ethical dilemma prominent in the application of nuclear weapons and medicine is critical and requires a reasonable and rational approach. Utilitarianism is applicable in the analysis of this ethical concern. In this theory, the analysis will be based on the premise of utilitarianism.
This refers to the moral stipulation that regards a morally sound way of action within any situation (Andre & Velasquez, nd.). Actions regarding the application of nuclear weapons should offer a maximum merit balance relative to potential harms for all the affected persons.
In regard to the application of this concept in analysis of the situation, great care must be taken. Particularly, this is to prevent the instances of deception, manipulation, and coercion that have existed in the debates regarding the use of nuclear weapons and their medical implications.
List of References
Andre, C & Velasquez, M (n.d.), Calculating Consequences: The Utilitarian Approach to Ethics. Web.
Deane-Drummond, C & Manley P 2010, Future Perfect? God, Medicine and Human Identity, Continuum Intl Pub Group, London, UK.
NAE &NA (National Academy of Engineering, & National Academies) 2004, Emerging technologies and ethical issues in engineering: papers from a workshop, 2003, National Academies Press, Washington DC, US.
Reyes, D 2010, The Ethics of Chemical and Biological Weaponry. Web.