Is it ethical to do work for a gun company?

Question

I believe that people have the need and right to protect themselves from harm... then why do i have this feeling I shouldn't take this work?

Answer 1

this is question u must ask yo self, many ppl do, so 4 dem its ok. how bout u?

Answer 2

Absolutely its ethical.  Without guns you wouldn't have freedom.  

Answer 3

I think that anything to do with firearms is an admirable occupation. Americans ought to be more concerned about protecting what's theirs.  

Answer 4

You cannot be responsible for what a person does with a firearm, just like when someone uses a kitchen knife to hurt or kill someone. The firearms are not killing people on their own, people are using them to do it.  

Answer 5

If your only reservation is that you are doing work for a gun company then yes, of course it is ethical.

There are few other companies that save as many lives through their products as gun manufacturers.

Answer 6

the question comes up from time to time:  Do you work for a company that makes guns - or makes nukes - do you join the military - do you work in a prison or assist with an execution or join the police - do you do research that can be applied to evil (or both good and evil) - and the list goes on.

In every case, you have to make a choice.  Guns and nukes can be used for murder or for defense (and showing a potential enemy we can defend ourselves, avoiding war); prisons and police staff may kill, but also protect citizens.  You will have to decide where to draw the line for yourself.

Answer 7

Guns are unfortunately a necessary part of life, and I have several myself, there is nothing wrong with working for a company that makes them.  If you think about other companies that are destroying lives, such as the tobacco companies, then you have a comparison.  Cigarettes do nothing but kill, and destroy lives, I would have no reason to work for a company that does that.

Answer 8

Darn right it's ethical!

The gov't is killing more people than guns ever will.  Thru our weak criminal justice system that lets violent criminals off easy.  Would you work for the gov't?

Answer 9

Is it ethical to be a mechanic or work for a car company? Automobiles kill far more people than guns do and don't save any lives, yet I don't know anyone who feels guilty for working on cars. There isn't anything unethical about working for a gun company. I don't even know how you could feel that way.

Answer 10

Well ask yourself this question... are all guns used to protect people from harm?  

Answer 11

Any good thing can be used for evil purposes, a car, a fork, a newspaper has a tremendously large potential for evil, etc.

Answer 12

If you have the luxury of being idealist about where you work, more power to you. Just remember that there are people who can't pay the light bill this month.

Answer 13

Everybody must make their own personal responsibility decisions.  But, if you consider all things..  cold, cruel numbers only..  my instincts tell me that the products of Phillip Morris or McDonalds kill far more Americans than those of Smith and Wesson do

Answer 14

If you are having second thoughts it is best to go with what you heart tells you.  Forget all of the politics around it.  We as Americans have the right to bear arms.  If we didn't, we would be consumed by tyranny.  I eat meat, but I don't think I could kill an animal.  Some folks don't have a conscious, let those folks be the ones to do such jobs.

I admire your honestly.  It is your decision in the end.