3 ms·
No, if you connect a nuclear launch to the decision of a single human mind, eventually that mind will have a stray thought, and press the button. To think other
by javajosh 5y ago
No, if you connect a nuclear launch to the decision of a single human mind, eventually that mind will have a stray thought, and press the button. To think otherwise is to assume that any human mind remains stable, sane and rational for its tenure manning the button. Nevermind morality or compassion! But nothing could be further from the truth. Organic mushy brains are inherently unstable and irrational in the long run. If the button exists, its only a matter of time before someone pushes it.
- giantg2 5y agoThat's why deployment processes require multi-user launch approval (eg 2 simultaneous keys).
- sidewndr46 5y agoThat's the launch infrastructure and only in some circumstances is that required. An order from the US president to launch nuclear weapons can only be rescinded by the US president: https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Nuclear-button-U.S.-has-no-way-to-stop-president-s-legal-order https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Nuclear-button-U.S.-has-no-... This is well known, there was a submarine captain who was dismissed for inquiring about it in the US Navy.
- giantg2 5y agoSure the order can't be rescinded. But it's also possible for the individuals to be insubordinate.