RJA #2b: Research Topic: "Are Nuclear Weapons Worth Having?": ENG 1020

The topic I have chosen to question is if nuclear weapons are worth having in the world. The reason I chose this topic is for several reasons. The main reason is that every time I turn on the news all I hear about is how another country has obtained nuclear weapons and that they are testing them. Then, you hear about the countries that are reducing their stock piles so they won’t use them in the future. Another reason I chose this topic is because for of my life I have had a longing to learn about history. When looking at history in the past century nothing quite rivals the horrific use of atomic weapons on Japan. Lastly, I chose this topic because I want to find out why we have these weapons and if they are beneficial as well as negative to have in our society. This is why I have chosen the topic of, “Are nuclear weapons worth having in the world?”

This is what I already know about Nuclear Weapons in the world. Nuclear weapons are one of the most destructive forms of technology mankind has ever invented. I also know that the United States has dropped an atomic bomb on two cities in Japan that resulted in massive casualties with some still occurring to this very day. I also know that worldwide more countries are trying to acquire these types of devices for military purposes. Finally, what I know about these weapons of mass destruction is that the United States and Russia almost started a war with these weapons of mass destruction several decades ago that could have ended with the destruction of the world. This is what I know so far about Nuclear weapons and what they are capable of doing.

While I know very little about these types of weapons I have several things I want to learn. Some things I want to learn about nuclear weapons are how easy it would be for a terrorist to acquire one of these weapons and use it on America or any other country that they could wish to attack. Then, is there any benefit to allow for a country to possess Nuclear Weapons? I would also like to know what countries are trying to acquire them and if they are trying to acquire them for what reason? The final thing I want to learn about the topic of “Are nuclear weapons worth having in the world?” is how well weapons are controlled so that they don’t fall in to the wrong hands or some how detonate on there own. These are the things I would like to learn about the topic I have chosen to write about.

EDIT:

I have changed my topic to "is Nuclear Power safe?" After doing some research and consulting with my peers I found that the topic of are nuclear weapons worth having was not an argumentative topic. I still have a great interest in Nuclear Power cause it was invented because of nuclear weapons.

What I already know about Nuclear Power is that it is considered a form of clean and safe energy by most people in the world. I also know that it would not be around if it wasn't for the nuclear bomb research. This is the little amount of information I know on this topic.

What I would like to know about this topic is the following. Is nuclear energy really as safe as they make it out to be? I would also like to know is there any harmful byproducts from this form of energy? The final thing I want to know is if this form of power is has a major incident ever occured that has placed people in danger? These are the things that interest me on this topic and are driving me to making this my research topic.