Famous quote by Herman Kahn

"To the extent that these advanced weapons or their components are treated as articles of commerce, perhaps for peaceful uses as in the Plowshare program, their cost would be well within the resources available to many large private organizations"

About this Quote

Herman Kahn's quote reviews the dual-use nature of innovative innovation, particularly weapons, and their potential for civilian applications. The central idea is that sophisticated weapons, or their parts, are typically gone over mainly in the context of defense and military method. However, when these technologies or their parts are considered as products, they provide opportunities beyond their original martial purpose.

Kahn recommends that if these innovations were treated as industrial products-- like any other items bought and offered in the market-- they might be repurposed for tranquil civilian uses. An example he offers is the Plowshare program, which sought to find non-military usages for nuclear dynamites, such as in building and mining. This concept resonates with the wider idea of transforming military technology for civilian applications, a procedure that can cause considerable advancements in various markets.

Additionally, Kahn suggests that the monetary barrier to obtaining such sophisticated innovations is not as overwhelming as one may think. Many large private companies, endowed with substantial resources, could pay for the expenses connected with these innovations, particularly when they are commercialized. This brings about an interesting proposition-- that the expansion of technology usually scheduled for military functions could democratize access to innovative tools, cultivating innovation in methods not previously thought of.

Nevertheless, Kahn's analysis also means underlying implications relating to control and ethics. When military innovations end up being commercially offered, concerns arise about policy, safety, and the capacity for abuse. The accessibility to such innovative tools by personal entities necessitates strict oversight to ensure they are utilized fairly and for the improvement of society.

In summary, Kahn's quote welcomes us to consider the transformative capacity when advanced military technologies are viewed through the lens of commerce and civilian application, while likewise urging us to consider the responsibilities that feature such power.

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About the Author

USA Flag This quote is from Herman Kahn between February 15, 1922 and July 7, 1983. He/she was a famous Scientist from USA. The author also have 30 other quotes.
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