Professional Ethics and the Military
Philosophy 6600
Hawaii Pacific University
Fall 2009 Hawaii Loa Campus, Room 102E, Thursdays 18:00-20:55
Instructor: James (Andy) Stroble, Ph.D. E-mail: jstroble@campus.hpu.edu, stroble@hawaii.edu
Course Web Page: <http://www.aloha.net/~stroble>
Catalog Description:
This course is concerned with the ethics of warfare and professional conduct. Attention will be paid to ethical theory,the tradition of military virtues, and the moral imperatives that distinguish the profession of arms. Topics may include legal and illegal orders, just war, and the treatment of noncombatants. Pre-requisites: Graduate standing.
We will have several things to consider in this course. Normally professional ethics can assume the legitimacy of its profession from the bare fact that it exists. Given that, the profession itself is able to specify its own ethical standards on the basis of that public trust. The case is different with the military, at least in the present, because there is no consensus on the legitimacy of warfare itself, so professional military ethics requires examination of the ethics of war before it can move ahead to self-definition. Therefore in this seminar we will begin with a consideration of ethics in general, and then of the definition of war and the grounding of ethics of war, and return in the end to the ethics of the military profession.
Clarification of the concept and justification of war
Familiarity with traditional conventions limiting war
Acquaintance with modern international law of armed conflict
Understanding of ethical and political theories concerned with military action
Develop abilities for rational and critical thought on issues of war and peace
Students will write a 20 page research paper on a topic selected in consultation with the instructor. This paper must be philosophical in nature, dealing with an ethical issue, and must conform to academic standards for content, style, and mechanics. Submission of rough drafts strongly encouraged. (70%) A paper proposal, subject to instructor approval, is to be submitted on date listed below. In addition, each student will give a presentation on their paper topic, preferably (though not required) during a session which deals with the same or related topics. (20%) And:
Attendance is good. Failure to attend seminars will have a negative impact on final grades. Participation in seminar discussions is required and expected. (10%)
Walzer, Michael, Just and Unjust Wars: A Moral Argument with Historical Illustrations
Gray, J. Glenn, The Warriors: Reflections on Men in Battle.
Toner, James H., True Faith and Allegiance: The Burden of Military Ethics
Internet Access (WWW) required for additional readings.
Course Web Page: <http://www.aloha.net/~stroble>
Schedule: subject to revision; readings especially!
Always check the main Web Page for readings and suggested reading.
Day One September 10: Introductions
Professional Ethics
Day Two September 17
Ethical Theory
Day Three September 24
The Concept of War
--Paper topic due.
Day Four October 1
Just War
Day Five October 8
International Law
Day Six October 15
Non-combatant Immunity
Day Seven October 22
Mercenaries: the War Machine
Day Eight October 29
Loyalty
Day Nine November 5
Deception
Day Ten November 12
Weapons: Ethics of Autonomous Robotic Weapons
Day Eleven November 19
Deformation Professionnel: Training
November 26 is Thanksgiving-- NO CLASS
Day Twelve December 3
Bloody Hands
Day Thirteen: December 10
The Paradox of Power
Last Class December 17 (Finals week: Papers due. )
Non-Violent Resistance
--Papers due!