Death Machines: The Ethics of Violent Technologies

Death Machines challenges the ethics of violent technologies by unpacking bio-technological rationalities and highlighting the perilous implications for how we think about the ethics of political violence.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 05 July 2018
Publisher: Manchester University Press

As advancements in military technologies swiftly propel toward ever-increasing levels of automation and autonomy, profound discussions regarding the ethical implications of violent technologies persist. In his book, Death Machines, author Adam Zamo challenges the prevailing frameworks of ethical inquiry by contending that the very conceptions we hold about the ethics of contemporary warfare are inherently shaped by a set of bio-technological rationalities that impose limitations. Consequently, the task at hand for critical thinkers is to meticulously unpack, engage with, and confront these boundaries. By drawing upon the insightful insights of Hannah Arendt, the book delves into a close analysis of the intricate technology-biopolitics-complex that underpins and shapes contemporary subjectivities, shedding light on the perilous consequences this has for our understanding of the ethics of political violence, both in the present and in the foreseeable future.

The book's central argument revolves around the notion that the ethical considerations surrounding the use of violent technologies are deeply intertwined with the broader bio-technological rationalities that govern our contemporary world. According to Zamo, these rationalities operate as boundaries, shaping our perceptions and interpretations of warfare and violence. He argues that by examining these rationalities, we can gain a deeper understanding of the ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies and develop strategies to address them.

One of the key insights offered by the book is the recognition of the role that technology plays in shaping our understanding of political violence. Zamo argues that the proliferation of advanced weapons systems, surveillance technologies, and artificial intelligence has led to a shift in the way we perceive and engage with political conflict. The constant exposure to images of violence and the increasing automation of warfare have created a sense of detachment and desensitization, making it difficult for individuals to critically evaluate the ethical implications of their actions.

To address these challenges, the book proposes a critical approach to the ethics of violent technologies. It encourages readers to engage with the broader bio-technological rationalities that underpin contemporary warfare and to critically evaluate the implications of emerging technologies. The book offers a range of examples and case studies to illustrate the ethical dilemmas posed by different types of violent technologies, including drones, autonomous weapons, and genetic engineering.

Through its analysis, the book highlights the perilous consequences of perpetuating bio-technological rationalities that prioritize military objectives over human well-being. It argues that the increasing automation of warfare and the blurring of lines between civilian and military targets pose significant risks to the safety and security of individuals and communities. Moreover, the book raises concerns about the potential for the misuse of advanced technologies, such as surveillance and artificial intelligence, to erode individual privacy and freedoms.

In conclusion, Death Machines offers a thought-provoking and timely exploration of the ethical implications of violent technologies. By challenging the prevailing frameworks of ethical inquiry and highlighting the bio-technological rationalities that shape our perceptions of warfare, the book provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debates surrounding the use of force in contemporary society. It encourages readers to engage with the ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies and to develop strategies to address them in a responsible and ethical manner.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 162 x 240 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526114822