[Buddha-l] Ethics at work

[Mike Austin]

Hi folks,

I am curious to know how you would act in my work situation, or what you 
would consider before coming to a decision.

I work with civil aircraft, developing methods and tools for determining 
the strength of structures. These methods are equally valid for civil or 
military aircraft. A military variant of an existing civil aircraft will 
be developed shortly. It is a tanker variant that will provide in-flight 
refuelling for other aircraft - mostly offensive military aircraft.  The 
team working on this requires explanations of the methods and tools that 
have been used so far so they can extend the analysis for the variant. I 
was told with short notice that I would be needed to make a presentation 
to them and that all the arrangements had been made beforehand.

I decided that I do not wish to support this project but, as my boss was 
not aware of my objections, I will give this initial presentation and no 
more support.

I support a military transport variant because, as a replacement for the 
Hercules transport, it will be able to provide relief wherever there are 
disasters.  It is thus not necessarily supporting any military activity. 
It was pointed out that the tanker would provide fuel for the long range 
activity of the transport aircraft. I judge this to be an infrequent and 
unlikely use and not, in itself, a justification the tanker.

These decisions are very difficult to make. Wherever one draws the line, 
it can be challenged.  Although I do not expect anyone to make decisions 
for me, I would be interested to know the criteria they would use.

-- 
Metta
Mike Austin