Nuclear Waste: Exploring the Ethical Dilemmas
By Lois M. Wilson
A critique by J.A.L. Robertson, M.A. (Cantab), F.R.S.C.
This book's title is grossly misleading - and the contents are more so. The word "dilemma" refers to a choice between two unfavourable alternatives but Wilson presents only one side of the debate, and fails to admit that her default preference is unfavourable. If the book had been on "exploring" Canada, we would know of nothing west of Winnipeg. Similar twisting of the accepted meaning of words results in some of Wilson's unethical treatment of the subject.
The book's format is a chronological account of the hearings of a panel to review the concept for nuclear fuel waste management and disposal, interspersed with personal comments by the author. Wilson employs the technique of reporting only criticisms of the proposal, thereby implying her endorsement of these submissions but avoiding the responsibility for the errors in them. This may prevent Wilson having to defend individual statements but readers will have no difficulty concluding that her sympathies lie with those opposing the concept and nuclear energy in general.
Had the book been written by some unknown author it would simply be unethical for its bias. For someone in a position of respect and trust, a senator, a holder of the Order of Canada and a former moderator of the United Church of Canada, to have produced such a biased treatment in the name of ethics is contemptible. After Wilson spent eight years as a panel member, with every opportunity to educate herself on the issues at taxpayers' expense, and four years since then to draft her book, her inability or unwillingness to put forward for challenge her own convictions on the ethics of nuclear energy suggests that she is aware of the weakness of her position.
The justification for these allegations is provided under the following headings:
Evidence of Bias and Prejudice
| Go to Contents of Ethics of Nuclear Energy |