The government is cutting back heavily on education and research but investing billions in defence industry. It may be strategic for colleges and universities to cooperate with defence, but will it also lead to more peace and stability in the world? Dr Hans Voordijk (UT-TNO Joint Innovation Center Digital Lifecycle Management) believes it does and thinks cooperation is crucial "to protect democracy". Dr Steven Dorrestijn (lecturer Ethics & Technology, Saxion) identifies a number of dilemmas: will academic freedom be undermined? Will there be money for peace research? And how to ensure ethical reflection and a moral compass? During this debate, Voordijk and Dorrestijn defend their positions and debate with each other and the audience.
As part of PAX Peace Week 2025, with the theme: Doing nothing is not an option. In cooperation with Enschede for Peace, Novel-T Smart, Studium Generale Saxion, KIVI Students Twente.
Debate in Dutch
Questions:
