Ethics and War An Introduction Lee Hardback Cambridge University Press

Ethics and WarAn Introduction

An account of war ethics sensitive to the historical just war theory, informed by the contemporary concerns of war.

Steven P. Lee (Author)

9780521898836, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 22 December 2011

344 pages
24.6 x 17.5 x 2.5 cm, 0.75 kg

'This is a fine book … it is one to read, and then keep as a reference. I know that I will keep my copy handy so I can get a quick overview of what other philosophers have to say … about a topic.' Nick Fotion, Emory University

What are the ethical principles underpinning the idea of a just war and how should they be adapted to changing social and military circumstances? In this book, Steven P. Lee presents the basic principles of just war theory, showing how they evolved historically and how they are applied today in global relations. He examines the role of state sovereignty and individual human rights in the moral foundations of just war theory and discusses a wide range of topics including humanitarian intervention, preventive war, the moral status of civilians and enemy combatants, civil war and terrorism. He shows how just war theory relates to both pacifism and realism. Finally, he considers the future of war and the prospects for its obsolescence. His clear and wide-ranging discussion, richly illustrated with examples, will be invaluable for students and other readers interested in the ethical challenges posed by the changing nature of war.

1. Understanding war in moral terms2. The just war tradition: a brief history3. When is it just to go to war?4. Sovereignty and human rights5. How should war be fought? Part I6. How should war be fought? Part II7. Civil wars8. Justice at the end of war.

Subject Areas: Political science & theory [JPA], Social & political philosophy [HPS], Ethics & moral philosophy [HPQ]