Professor Brian Rappert
Extension: 3353
Telephone: 01392 723353
Professor
My long term concern has been with the social and ethical dilemmas associated with scientific and technical expertise. In particular, I have been concerned with the negotiated management of information in areas of public controversy. Much of my work in the last few years has examined how the responsible stewardship of the life sciences can be ensured so as to avoid civilian knowledge and techniques being used to intentionally spread disease. I am also active in examining and participating in attempts to enhance the humanitarian restrictions governing the conduct of war (e.g., such as through international humanitarian law). Among other topics, I have contributed to international discussions regarding the permissibility of so-called cluster bombs.
Because much of my research takes place in security and diplomatic communities where questions of disclosure and concealment loom large, as of late I have turned to reflect on the methodological issues associated with investigating and writing about secrecy and ignorance.
