Leo Szilard and Edward Teller, originally friends and colleagues, found themselv

Question

Leo Szilard and Edward Teller, originally friends and colleagues, found themselves on the opposite side of the debate as to whether the atomic bomb should be used in warfare, as it appeared that Germany did not have a bomb after all. These differing opinions are laid out in the above reading assignment, which consists of a correspondence between the two men, in addition to Leo Szilard's petitions to U.S. President Harry Truman.

In your opinion, which scientist had the more convincing point of view?

Your response must include at least two specific points made by each man, followed by your critical analysis of these points (in other words, why you agree and/or disagree.) The response should be at least three paragraphs long -- an introduction, followed by summaries and critical analyses of both Szilard's and Teller's opinions. At least one direct quote from each scientist should be used to support your position.

Explanation / Answer

Edward Teller is often referred to as the "father of the hydrogen bomb." After the Soviet Union detonated its first atomic bomb in 1949, Teller worked to convince President Truman to develop a crash program for the hydrogen bomb, which he believed was feasible. In 1950, Truman approved the hydrogen bomb program, and Teller returned to Los Alamos later that year to begin working on a design.Edward Teller said once" When you get to the end of all the light you know and it's time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: either you will be given something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly.”

Szilard was probably the first scientist to conceive of how an atomic bomb might work. He later wrote that the concept of a nuclear chain reaction "suddenly occurred to me" in Sept. 1933 while taking a walk thru the streets of London.An attempt to meet with President Truman led instead to a May 28, 1945 meeting with James Byrnes, who would soon become Sec. of State. But Byrnes thoroughly disagreed with Szilard's views.Szilard was one of the main authors of the Franck Report in June, 1945. This report warned that even if the a-bomb helped save lives in this war, the a-bomb's use could lead to a nuclear arms race and, possibly, a nuclear war that would take far more lives than however many might be saved in the current war.

After World War II, Szilard continued his efforts to bring nuclear weapons under control. He also founded the Council for a Livable World, which continues to work for peace to this day.

I probably agree with Szilard as his views largely contributed achieve the peaceful state whereas Teller   actually believed that these weapons would solve all our problems in war and peace.Teller also was influential in the decision by the Truman administration to produce the bomb over the objections of much of the scientific community.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse L
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.