Module #8: Nuclear engineering
Leader: Man-Sung Yim , NC State
Members: Tatjana Jevremovic, Purdue; Dan Bullen, ISU; Michael Corradini, UW; Charley Kinoshita, UH; and Michael Pritchard, Western Mich U.
The special characteristics of nuclear technology raise particular social questions that all doctoral candidates in this field must be prepared to address articulately. How does nuclear energy compare to alternative energy-producing technologies? How do various ethical traditions affect conclusions citizens may reach about the responsible development, use, and management of nuclear technology? How should the nuclear engineering community engage with the public in making policy decisions?
Nuclear technology is special. Although nuclear energy is part of nature, the amount of radioactivity created by the use of nuclear technology is enormous compared to the level of radioactivity in the nature. There is a potential for the release of these radioactive materials into the environmental through reactor accidents and during the disposal of nuclear waste. Some of the radioactive materials are very long lived and, if not properly taken care of, their presence in the environment could adversely affect the public health for many generations. Nuclear technology also carries dual use potential. It can be used for both peaceful civilian and military purposes. The fact that the technology was first manifested in the form of the most potent bomb left a strong impression to the public. Although civilian nuclear technology is not directly related to weapons work, the expertise, equipment, facilities, and computer models can be used to help develop clandestine facilities. The public’s attitude toward nuclear technology has been mixed affected by the fear of accidents and concern over nuclear waste management. Although the fear or anxiety the public experiences may not be scientifically grounded, they are real and need to be addressed by the people who manages the technology.
The module would include these points and address the importance of ethics discussions in nuclear engineering research. The following issues are expected to be included in the module:
- The special nature of nuclear technology in comparison to alternative technologies;
- How different ethical approaches could affect the discussions of ethical technology use and responsible development and management of nuclear technology;
- How nuclear engineering community, with these understanding, should engage with the public in various nuclear technology management decisions.