Military Projects in the Workplace: Introduction
Author(s):
Francisco Juan Donez, MIT
The issue of military contract work has existed in American industry for many years, and was widely discussed during the unpopular U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. Recently, the issue has arisen again, as the Soviet Union loosens its hold on Eastern Europe and historians proclaim the end of the Cold War. These events, along with the current U.S. economic situation, have led many Americans to believe that extensive military research is no longer necessary or appropriate, and that government funds could be better used elsewhere. In addition, many employees do not wish to support the status quo by working on corporate military contracts. This project explored employee perceptions and company practices stemming from this type of concern in the technical workplace.
This project was undertaken as a part of the MIT subject 2.95J, Ethics in the Workplace for Scientists and Engineers. I am grateful to Professors Caroline Whitbeck and Leon Trilling for their help in arranging interview contacts and in constructing the project scenario.
Francisco Juan Donez, MIT
Cite this page:
Francisco Juan Donez, MIT
"Military Projects in the Workplace: Introduction"
Online Ethics Center for Engineering
10/5/2006 6:25:03 PM
National Academy of Engineering
Accessed: Friday, January 09, 2009
<www.onlineethics.org/CMS/workplace/17080/milintro.aspx>