The desirable nuclear power
Description
Nuclear power is increasingly attracting attention. At the same time, the controversy surrounding its desirability continues. Before reflecting on the desirability of nuclear power we first need to narrow down the focus on the different fuel cycles, as they differently influence the interest of the present and future generations. I approach the desirable option in nuclear power production from the perspective of safeguarding the interests of future generations.
We have at least two duties to posterity, i.e. to ensure their well-being and not to harm them. These duties have different scopes and they are conditional in the sense that they might be overruled by more compelling duties. By weighting these duties and relating them to the technological reality of nuclear power production, I argue that Partitioning and Transmutation (P&T) should be preferred as it substantially reduces the waste life-time. P&T is, however, a scientifically proven method that requires decades of development, with additional burdens for contemporaries. By addressing these intergenerational conflicts, I seek out for situations in which future interest should guide us in choosing a certain technology
The (annual) theme "The intertwining of ethics and technology" is presented by PhD students of the 3TU.Centre for Ethics and Technology". The lectures are aimed at engineers who are interested in reflections on, among other things, the political and moral connotations of technology and who want to give the speakers feedback from their own experiences. For further information, an e-mail message can be sent to w.loeve@ziggo.nl . From the 3TU.centre side, the programme is coordinated by Dr Claudia Basta. Website: http://www.ethicsandtechnology.eu/basta
Speaker(s)
Behnam Taebi (1977) obtained his master's degree in Material Science and Engineering at Delft University of Technology in 2005. He also completed an additional minor in Public and Business Administration at the faculty of Technology Policy and Management. Before starting on his PhD research Taebi held a position as lecturer within the Department of Philosophy at TU Delft for one year. While doing his PhD research he continued to teach on a part-time basis. In January 2007, he embarked on his PhD research into nuclear power and considerations of justice between generations, which was funded by the 3 TU Centre for Ethics and Technology. Taebi will defend his PhD dissertation on June 29 in Delft. He is currently employed by the Department of Philosophy
Location
Utrecht
Organiser
Philosophy & Technology
Name and contact details for information
Further information from drs.ing. Henk Uijttenhout (vz), tel: 070 - 3875293 / 06 - 42505844 or via the e-mail address below. .