ABSTRACT
In the imaginary scenario set out above, I have described a series of incidents where each action was prompted by the preceding event. The acceptance of that first glass of wine led to a deep involvement with a contractor’s
company and to a situation in which there were conflicting interests. In essence the subject of the story has skidded down a slippery slope into a position in which that individual would not necessarily have chosen. So from an initially acceptable situation, a person can slide into circumstances that are less than salubrious. This is a well-recognized scenario. For not only may a person glide from a position that seems acceptable to one that is barely tenable, but engineers may also be required to develop abilities and tools from those that have been deemed worthy and of value to related implements that may cause damage to society. To some outside observers, any novel developments herald the emergence of a new opportunity to create harms hitherto inexperienced by a long-suffering humanity. Those people, who are concerned that currently proposed developments that are seemingly benign may eventually lead to harmful situations, call up the prospect of the development of a slippery slope leading to a future unwanted state. This, then, becomes an armamentarium of arguments used to prevent new developments. As engineers are committed to the invention of new and wondrous tools, it behooves them to be aware of this situation. In those cases where they are presented with this argument that alleges that what they are about is to set one at the top of a slippery slope, they will have some notions of how to deal with it.
