Scientific Minimalism and the Division of Moral Labor in Regulating Dual-Use Research

Abstract

: In this paper I examine the merits of a “division ofmoral labor” regulatory system for dual-use research. I borrow anargument from Thomas Douglas against scientific isolationism toshow that researchers must be morally responsible for resolvingat least some dual-use problems. I then argue that there are keybenefits of scientific isolationism that are preserved in a positionI call scientific minimalism. I then demonstrate that scientificminimalism, in a division of moral labor system, succeeds inmaximizing both scientific freedom and moral efficiency, which Ihold to be an essential aim for any proposed alternative regulatorymodel.