| This course examines questions in military ethics from a philosophical perspective. Is it possible to pursue peace through war? What, if anything justifies war? How can post-war activities of victors secure or preclude future peace? Do nations have an obligation to defend foreign populations threatened by "crimes against humanity"? Do ordinary ethical imperatives apply to combatants who are not aligned with traditional nation-states? Are ambushes ethically permissible? How should ethics account for emerging technologies, like drone warfare? Is espionage ethically permissible? These questions will be considered in dialogue with classical and contemporary texts. NOTE: students can receive credit for only one of PHIL 2208 and PHIL 3261. |
