The "Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction" and the resulting vulnerability of all nations will be the topic for discussion at Drew University on November 8, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in Mead Hall.

The free event is another of the University's popular Aquinas lectures which is sponsored by the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies and supported by Shirley Sugerman, a Drew trustee and adjunct associate professor of religion.

Drew faculty member Tom Magnell will be the featured speaker. Magnell is professor of philosophy and chair of the philosophy department at Drew. The author of numerous articles, he has most recently written about "Vulnerability, Global Authority, and Moving Away From a Local Maximum of Value," for the Journal of Value Inquiry.

As Magnell points out, the alarming growth of nations with biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons capabilities, makes all countries more vulnerable.

"The attacks of September 11, as horrifying as they were, are only a small taste of how vulnerable we are becoming as weapons of mass destruction become more affordable and easier to acquire," Magnell said.

He believes that this predicament of vulnerability can be overcome. "If we act with courage and intelligence to form a more perfect union of states in global federation, that protects one of our highest values, freedom. With lives and liberty in the balance, the stakes could not be higher," Magnell said.

Individuals needing special assistance should call Drew at least five working days in advance of the event at 973/408-3103.