oppenheimer

A detailed Summary of oppenheimer

The scientific developments of the atomic and hydrogen bombs caused much controversy throughout the world. Specifically, American scientists struggled with these dilemmas close to home. The play, In The Matter of J. Robert Oppenheimer, by Heinar Kipphardt, represents an abridged version of the proceedings against Oppenheimer in which he was investigated for his opposing views concerning the use of the hydrogen bomb. The play reveals the feelings and thoughts of the particular scientists who worked on the extensive, high security, technological projects for the government. Major ethical issues surrounding the views of Oppenheimer and his opposition were brought up throughout the course of the proceedings. A major issue deals with loyalty to family/friends vs. the loyalty to the government, and which one takes priority in the case of conflicting ideas. Also, concerning the use of the hydrogen bomb, were the actions that Oppenheimer took ethical?

Oppenheimer was asked many questions by the opposing counsel about his ties with Communism, including his brother's affiliation, his intimate relationship with Jean Tatlock (who was a member of the Comm Party), his Communist associations, and the implications of the Chevalier inciden

Every scientist has the ability to change the course of history. They possess the knowledge that unlocks the development for the rest of the world to experience. Without this key knowledge, the world does not move forward. We certainly would not be engineers or surgeons without the developments of many scientists along the way. For Oppenheimer, the fact remains that his contributions have changed the world forever with his development of the hydrogen bomb, and he should be remembered as a brilliant scientist.

t. Counsel delved into these issues to get an understanding of where Oppenheimer's loyalty lay. The question that the Atomic Energy Commission had to ask themselves was if Oppenheimer's loyalty was divided. When dealing with national security, scientists privy to secured information are expected to have complete loyalty to the nuclear projects being undertaken, and his Communist associations weren't seen as compatible to this. This is an understandable ethical concern because the relaxed loyalty of someone in Oppenheimer's position presents a great danger to our society and its institutions.

The reference to loyalty in this case, however, is if Oppenheimer should be considered a security risk in terms of his loyalty. The extent of his disloyalty is maintaining certain sympathies and associations to a major foreign power, the Soviet Union. Oppenheimer didn't try to conceal his ties, whether or not they are to even be considered very significant since he wasn't directly involved with the Communist Party himself. He didn't feel that he was acting disloyal in maintaining a relationship with his brother, or friends from his past. As for the incident with Chevalier, Oppenheimer says he acted as he did "Because I was an idiot." (Kipphardt, 48). Oppenheimer was afraid of the punishment that would result for hi

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Approximate Word count = 1242
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History