The Letters of Last Resort and MAD Ethics
A holdover from a different time, the Letters of Last Resort signal a strategy of nuclear deterrence whose mode may be outdated, but whose message remains clear.
Cultural Heritage and the Murujuga Petroglyphs
Embedded in the case for protection are arguments concerning the value of our past, in-group/out-group determinations about our shared heritage, and historical injustice and marginalization.
The Ethics of Scientific Advice: Lessons from “Chernobyl”
HBO's miniseries offers a new opportunity to revisit an age-old debate: Should we keep value judgments out of science? Can we?
Should We Return to the Moon?
Much has been made of the US's intention to return to the moon. What did Apollo 11 mean then and what might another voyage mean now?
Refusal to Repatriate: The Owning, Lending, and Stealing of Art
The ongoing debate over colonial repatriation requires that we confront our history of imperialism. On what grounds can one own another's cultural heritage?
Questioning the Morality of Raising Neanderthal
Cloning Neanderthals could be a scientific possibility. But just because it might be possible doesn't mean it's a good, morally sound idea.
The Deeper Significance of Women Presidential Candidates
Though American politics may seem more divided than ever, it's important to note the changes still taking place.
The Slave Bible: Editing the Word of God
In D.C.'s Museum of the Bible, there's an artifact that might change the way you think about slavery and Christianity. It's called the Slave Bible.
3D Scans, Archaeological Sites, and “Digital Colonialism”
Scans of ancient places like Palmyra could help archaeologists study and reconstruct damaged cultural heritage sites. But who should own the scans?
The Socialist Calculation Debate: Revisited
The 19th-century socialist calculation debate has surprising relevance today.