Chapter V: Exploring Real-Life Examples of the Dual Use Dilemma
Ethical Analysis
The questions surrounding Ann’s research and its potential for dual use reflect classic research ethics questions for which suitable responses are not obvious. This doesn’t mean there are no feasible solutions, but that they must be developed on a case-by-case basis.
One good point for Ann to realize is that this is not the first time life scientists have been faced with ethical questions in their research. Researchers and bioethicists have considered what qualifies as informed consent, how to treat and care for animal research subjects, and whether or not human cloning or embryonic stem cell research should be pursued. Have there been any real-life examples of scientists grappling with dual use dilemmas? What have the outcomes been in those situations?
