The Pros And Cons Of Nuclear Power

In one article from the book of Science and Engineering ethics, two professors of technology argue that nuclear power is neither ethical or unethical because it is so uncertain. It is uncertain, primarily because the question of whether or not nuclear power is sustainable is also unclear. New technology is constantly arising that may be able to deal with nuclear energy’s inherent problems of radioactive waste and finite uranium fuel reserves. However, whether they do or don’t work out will require time humanity doesn’t have. With such uncertainty about nuclear power’s future, the authors of this article argue that something different from traditional philosophical or ethical thought, including utilitarianism, is required. The theory that the

For example, if a nuclear power plant is built one year, but 5 years later people decide it comes with too many risks, the populace won’t be able to simply tear down the power plant. They won’t be able to take it down, primarily because there is still many tons of nuclear waste that must be dealt with for hundreds of thousands of years. In this interpretation, the capability principle is saying that nuclear power is not a sustainable resource because future generations will not be able to decide whether it is still a viable resource. It is possible that future generations may want to take the risk of irradiating the planet even if it does mean drastically changing the climate of the planet. The flip side of this coin is that there is more things that limit freedom than just the ability to reverse a decision or tear down a nuclear reactor. For example, if nuclear power is the only thing that can save humanity from a climate induced extinction, then it might actually open up more options for humanity because people will still be alive to make decisions. The capability approach emphasises tailoring society to what its members can do, and nuclear power might be the only option. Not only that, it is possible that nuclear power could open up many more capabilities for humans in the future other than just surviving

In other words, they think it might be sustainable. As a result, under the capability approach, it might even make nuclear energy more ethical. the question still remains whether or not nuclear power is still actually a sustainable resource. The fuel for nuclear power plants Uranium is a finite resource on this planet. At most, all the uranium in the world could last humanity for a few hundred years. However, technology is still emerging in the nuclear field that could potentially turn nuclear energy into an extremely viable energy source that could generate power indefinitely. Scientists have already given substantial evidence that new generation Breeder reactors will be able to replenish their own fuel at a rate that would make the problem of nuclear waste almost inconsequential. Theoretical thorium reactors also have substantial evidence that they can use a common element as fuel without producing any significant radioactive waste. Even better, if scientists unlock the power of fusion reactors then there would be endless amounts of easy to use energy dense fuel in the form of hydrogen molecules which is the most abundant element in the universe. Lastly, with improvements to safety technology in the form of passive safety systems, new models of nuclear power plants make it near impossible for radiation to escape even if there was a meltdown. The problem with all