ここでも引き続き、レポート作成作業において「生成AIがどの程度まで使えるのか？」「どのように使うと良いのか？」に関して、「原子力の社会的利用をめぐる推進論と批判論の歴史的展開」（Historical Development of Arguments for and against Civilian/Non-Military Use of Nuclear power）課題を例に取り、具体的に詳しく見ていくことにしよう。
そうしたことが実際にどうであるのかに関して、「原子力の社会的利用をめぐる推進論と批判論の歴史的展開」という日本語で与えた場合と、”Historical Development of Arguments for and against Civilian/Non-Military Use of Nuclear power”という英語文で与えた場合の具体例は下記の通りである。
Perplexity AIでは、日本語プロンプト文では日本語の文献資料があった場合には日本語の文献資料を、英語プロンプト文では英語の文献資料を利用しながら回答を生成する設計になっているようである。
なお下記サンプル例に見られるように、英語での回答の方がより情報量の多い回答になっている。
The historical development of arguments for and against the civilian or non-military use of nuclear power has evolved significantly since the end of World War II. This evolution can be traced through various phases, reflecting changes in technological capabilities, political contexts, and public perceptions.
Early Enthusiasm and Legislative Foundations (1940s-1950s)
Proponents’ Arguments
After World War II, there was significant enthusiasm for the peaceful applications of nuclear energy. The Atomic Energy Act of 1946 marked a pivotal moment by transferring control of nuclear technology from military to civilian hands, establishing the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) to oversee both military and civilian uses of nuclear energy[3][7]. Proponents argued that nuclear power could revolutionize energy production, offering a virtually limitless and clean energy source. President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” speech in 1953 encapsulated this optimism, suggesting that nuclear energy could be a boon for humanity if harnessed for peaceful purposes[1][10].
Opponents’ Concerns
Despite the optimism, there were early concerns about the potential risks associated with nuclear power. Critics worried about the safety of nuclear reactors, the potential for accidents, and the long-term management of radioactive waste. The Atomic Energy Act of 1954, which aimed to promote the commercial use of nuclear power, also included provisions for public health and safety, reflecting these concerns[1][11].
Expansion and Controversy (1960s-1980s)
Proponents’ Arguments
During the 1960s and 1970s, nuclear power was seen as a solution to the growing energy demands and a way to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The construction of numerous nuclear power plants during this period was driven by the belief that nuclear energy could provide a stable and reliable source of electricity. Proponents highlighted the environmental benefits of nuclear power, particularly its low greenhouse gas emissions compared to coal and oil[2][4].
Opponents’ Concerns
However, the expansion of nuclear power also sparked significant opposition. The anti-nuclear movement gained momentum, particularly after high-profile accidents such as the Three Mile Island incident in 1979 and the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. These events underscored the potential for catastrophic accidents and heightened public fears about nuclear safety. Critics also pointed to the high costs and long construction times of nuclear plants, as well as the unresolved issue of nuclear waste disposal[2][6][8].
Renewed Interest and Ongoing Debate (1990s-Present)
Proponents’ Arguments
In recent decades, the debate over nuclear power has been influenced by concerns about climate change and the need for low-carbon energy sources. Proponents argue that nuclear power is essential for reducing carbon emissions and achieving energy security. They emphasize the advancements in reactor technology that have improved safety and efficiency, and they advocate for the use of nuclear power as part of a diversified energy strategy to combat global warming[4][10].
Opponents’ Concerns
Despite these arguments, opposition to nuclear power remains strong. Critics continue to highlight the risks of nuclear accidents, the challenges of radioactive waste management, and the potential for nuclear proliferation. They argue that the high costs and long lead times for building new nuclear plants make it an impractical solution compared to renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. Additionally, concerns about the security of nuclear facilities and the potential for terrorist attacks add to the opposition[4][6][9].
Conclusion
The historical development of arguments for and against the civilian use of nuclear power reflects a complex interplay of technological, political, and social factors. While nuclear power has the potential to provide significant environmental and energy security benefits, it also poses substantial risks and challenges that continue to fuel a vigorous and ongoing debate.
Citations:
[1] Walker,J. S., Wellock, T. R. (2010) “A Short History of Nuclear Regulation,1946–2009” NUREG/BR-0175, Rev.2
https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1029/ML102980443.pdf
[2] Pope, D. (2021) “The Unkept Promise of Nuclear Power”
https://origins.osu.edu/article/unkept-promise-nuclear-power?language_content_entity=en
[3] Hinnershitz, Stephanie (2021) “The Atomic Energy Act of 1946 – Scientists became political activists in the debate over control of atomic energy.” August 4, 2021
https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/atomic-energy-act-1946
[4] Wikipedia “Nuclear power debate”https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_power_debate
[5] Sico van der Meer (2016) “States’ Motivations to Acquire or Forgo Nuclear Weapons: Four Factors of Influence,” Journal of Military and Strategic Studies, 17(1), pp.209-236 https://www.clingendael.org/sites/default/files/2018-02/States’_Motivations_to_Acquire_or_Forgo_Nuclear_Weapons _August_2016.pdf
[6] Rothwell, S. L. “antinuclear movement” Britannica.com
https://www.britannica.com/topic/anti-nuclear-movement
[7] U.S. Department of Energy “Civilian Control of Atomic Energy, 1945-1946” The Manhattan Project – an interactive history
https://www.osti.gov/opennet/manhattan-project-history/Events/1945-present/civilian_control.htm
[8] Rizvi,O.(2023) “Nuclear energy in Europe: Who is for and against it and why?” 2023 /12/23
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/978-3-658-25987-7_5.pdf
[9] Energy Advisory Group of the Working Committee on Church and Society, World Council of Churches, Geneva, Switzerland （1977） “Public Acceptance of Nuclear Power – Some Ethical Issues” IAEA Bulletin, 19(6), pp.48-57
https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/publications/magazines/bulletin/bull19-6/19604794857.pdf
This paper was presented at the International Conference on Nuclear Power and Its Fuel Cycle, 2-13 May 1977, Salzburg, Austria.
[10] World Nuclear Association(2024) “Outline History of Nuclear Energy”
https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/current-and-future-generation/outline-history-of-nuclear-energy
[11] U.S. Department of Energy The History of Nuclear Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology,DOE/NE-0088, 48pp
https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/history-nuclear-energy
[12] Bonev, P. et al. (2024) “Nuclear waste in my backyard: Social acceptance and economic incentives,” Energy Policy,185(February 2024)
https://www.nids.mod.go.jp/english/event/symposium/pdf/2001/sympo_e2001_4.pdf
[13] Hill, J. (1977) “The Abuse of Nuclear Power”IAEA Bulletin, 19(2), pp.42-49
https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/publications/magazines/bulletin/bull19-2/19204794249.pdf
[14] “50 Years of Nuclear Energy” 8pp
https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/gc/gc48inf-4-att3_en.pdf
[15] Goldschmidt, B. (1977) “The Origins of the International Atomic Energy Agency” IAEA Bulletin, 19(4), pp.12-19
https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/publications/magazines/bulletin/bull19-4/19401281219.pdf
[16] Ichimasa, S. (2017) “Nuclear Nonproliferation and Economic Sanctions: Can Non-Military Sanctions Stop Nuclear Proliferation? ” 防衛研究所紀要（防衛省防衛研究所）、19(2)
https://www.nids.mod.go.jp/english/publication/kiyo/pdf/2017/bulletin_e2017_4.pdf （日本語版一政祐行(2017)「核不拡散と経済制裁を巡る諸問題」）
[17] Office of the Historian, Foreign Service Institute, United States Department of State “MILESTONES: 1945–1952 Atomic Diplomacy” Milestones in the History of U.S. Foreign Relations
https://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/atomic
[18] Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament “The history of CND”
https://cnduk.org/who/the-history-of-cnd/
[19] Clarke, L. (1985) “The Origins of Nuclear Power: A Case of Institutional Conflict” Social Problems, 32(5), pp.474-487
https://www.jstor.org/stable/800776
[20] Char,N.L., Csik, B.J. (1987) “Nuclear power development:History and outlook – Events have changed the global prospects for nuclear power,” IAEA BULLETIN, 3/1987, pp.19-25
https://www.jstor.org/stable/40961953
<
