I like to ask whether I’m making a gun, a hammer or a pencil. Technically you can use any of those for good or bad, but you have to jump through a few more mental hoops to justify the gun. I try and stick to pencils.
I'm less worried about objects, and much more worried about systems. For example systems of surveillance, systems of oppression, and systems that are used to kill.
For example take the targeted killings in Afghanistan: In my mind the person facilitating the database(s) that enable the Taliban to go door to door to exterminate people is much more at fault than someone who repairs or builds firearms. The gun is an interchangeable tool in a long chain of events that leads to oppression, the database is not.
For example take the targeted killings in Afghanistan: In my mind the person facilitating the database(s) that enable the Taliban to go door to door to exterminate people is much more at fault than someone who repairs or builds firearms. The gun is an interchangeable tool in a long chain of events that leads to oppression, the database is not.