Radiation Protection and Moral Theory. (1st August 1995)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sumner, David; Gilmour, Peter
• Is Part Of: Environmental values. Volume 4:Number 3(1995:Autumn)
• Page Start: 241
• Page End: 255
• Publication Date: 1995-08-01
• Subjects: Environmental ethics -- Periodicals; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; 179.105
• DOI: 10.3197/096327195776679484
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-2719

Abstract

It seems likely that there is no threshold for the induction of cancer by ionising radiation. Hence even small radiation doses may result in a finite number of premature deaths if a large number of people are exposed. Various arguments are used to demonstrate that such deaths, if they occur, are acceptable; these arguments are shown to be flawed. Many of the arguments, and the ICRP's principle of justification, appear rooted in a utilitarian system of moral philosophy. Such a system is superficially attractive as it appears objective and rational; however, the objectivity may be an illusion masking the underlying aims of the interested parties.