Working in the Weapons Research Establishment

Otto Dix telling it like it was

 

You are the hero of this story. You have the opportunity to get a great job in a weapons research establishment. Should you take the job that has been offered to you? The money is good, the facilities excellent and the prospects second to none. You have to bear in mind that you are a research chemist who has been unable to find a job and who is finding it a great strain having to provide for his wife and young child and mortgage. 

He feels reluctant to take the job because he will be involved in developing chemical weapons. He also knows that there is another candidate apart from himself who is eager to take the job because he has a great interest in chemical weapons and believes that they present no moral problem.

What would you do and why? Should your personal feelings against chemical weapons win out over your need to find employment and to support your young family?

If you are a woman, then rephrase the dilemma by imagining that you have a burning desire to succeed and also an aged mother who needs expensive convalescent care.

Her mother needs expensive nursing care

What would a utilitarian do in this situation? Would the utilitarian be able to give an adequate answer?  What would you do? 

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