I liked your strategy for creating robust principles that would have worked across a broad range of cases, and it would be good to add others to the Manhattan Project example.
I particularly liked you third principle:
Principle 3: When racing, have an exit strategy
In the case of the Manhattan project, a key moment was the death of Hitler and surrender of Germany. Given that this was the guiding reason — the greater good with which the scientists justify their creation of a terrible weapon — it is very poor how little changed at that point. Applying your principles, one could require a very special meeting if/when any of the race-justifying conditions disappear, to force reconsideration at that point.
Great piece William — thanks for sharing it here.
I liked your strategy for creating robust principles that would have worked across a broad range of cases, and it would be good to add others to the Manhattan Project example.
I particularly liked you third principle:
Principle 3: When racing, have an exit strategy
In the case of the Manhattan project, a key moment was the death of Hitler and surrender of Germany. Given that this was the guiding reason — the greater good with which the scientists justify their creation of a terrible weapon — it is very poor how little changed at that point. Applying your principles, one could require a very special meeting if/when any of the race-justifying conditions disappear, to force reconsideration at that point.