Oppenheimer & Groves: The Duality That Led to Trinity
Connaughton, Theresa G.
Smith, Sharon E.
United States. Department of Energy.
Los Alamos National Laboratory
2001-01-01
English
The alliance of J. Robert Oppenheimer, scientist, and Leslie R. Groves, military leader, is often interpreted as the classic example of the clash between the academic mind and the military style. Evidence suggests, instead, that it was a collaboration that led to the dawn of the nuclear age. Instead of a clash, it was collaboration and an implosion of the diverse talents needed for the success of this project. Discussion of these flawed and fascinating individuals still ignites controversy today. This presentation will explore the backgrounds and personalities of these two men and their work together to accomplish their mission. Was the aftermath inevitable, given a relationship based on respect, but perhaps not trust? The genesis of the modern military-industrial complex rested on the genius of these two men, though they personify two distinct American sub-cultures. What lessons can be drawn from their wartime and post-war relationship? What analogies can be drawn for current American values?
Origin
Duality
Implosions
99 General And Miscellaneous//Mathematics, Computing, And Information Science
Submitted to: Southwest/Texas Popular Culture Association/American Culture Association Conference, Albuquerque, NM, February 14, 2002
Article
9 p.
Text
rep-no: LA-UR-01-6405
osti: 975872
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc933071/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc933071