Terrorism and the Ethics of War by Stephen Nathanson (English) Paperback Book

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In this book, Stephen Nathanson argues that we cannot have morally credible views about terrorism if we neglect broader issues about the ethics of war. Challenging the realist view that morality does not apply to war, he provides an analysis of what makes terrorism morally wrong, and a rule-utilitarian defense of noncombatant immunity.

FORMATPaperback LANGUAGEEnglish CONDITIONBrand New Publisher Description

Most people strongly condemn terrorism; yet they often fail to say how terrorist acts differ from other acts of violence such as the killing of civilians in war. Stephen Nathanson argues that we cannot have morally credible views about terrorism if we focus on terrorism alone and neglect broader issues about the ethics of war. His book challenges influential views on the ethics of war, including the realist view that morality does not apply to war, and Michael Walzer's defence of attacks on civilians in 'supreme emergency' circumstances. It provides a clear definition of terrorism, an analysis of what makes terrorism morally wrong, and a rule-utilitarian defence of noncombatant immunity, as well as discussions of the Allied bombings of cities in World War II, collateral damage, and the clash between rights theories and utilitarianism. It will interest a wide range of readers in philosophy, political theory, international relations and law.

Author Biography

Stephen Nathanson is Professor of Philosophy at Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts. He is the author of Should We Consent to Be Governed? (1992, 2000) and of numerous articles on the death penalty, patriotism and economic justice.

Table of Contents

Introduction; Part I. Terrorism: What's in a Name?: 1. The problem of defining terrorism; 2. Defining terrorism; 3. What makes terrorism wrong?; 4. Innocence and discrimination; 5. 'Who dun it' definitions of terrorism; Conclusion: taking stock; Part II. Why Moral Condemnations of Terrorism Lack Credibility: Introduction: toward morally credible condemnations of terrorism; 6. Why standard theories fail to condemn terrorism; 7. Just war theory and the problem of collateral damage; Conclusion: categorical vs. conditional criticisms of terrorism; Part III. Defending Noncombatant Immunity: Introduction: the ethics of war-fighting: a spectrum of possible views; 8. The realist challenge to the ethics of war; 9. An ethic of war for reasonable realists; 10. Walzer on noncombatant immunity as a human right; 11. The supreme emergency exception; 12. Rights theories, utilitarianism, and the killing of civilians; 13. Immunity rights vs. the right of self-defense; 14. A rule utilitarian defense of noncombatant immunity; 15. Why utilitarian criticisms of noncombatant immunity are mistaken; 16. Is noncombatant immunity a 'mere' convention?; Part IV. How Much Immunity Should Noncombatants Have?: Introduction: the problem of collateral damage; 17. The problem of collateral damage killings; 18. The ethics of collateral damage killings; Conclusion: terrorism and the ethics of war; Bibliography; Index.

Review

'In this carefully argued work, Stephen Nathanson has brought together two areas, terrorism and the ethics of war, too often treated separately. The result is new moral clarity and insight in both areas, especially regarding the moral treatment due to civilians by purveyors of military violence. This work is particularly valuable for those seeking a moral understanding of terrorism and an appreciation of what they must do to make their condemnation of terrorism morally credible.' Steven Lee, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, New York

Promotional

This book provides an analysis of what makes terrorism morally wrong, and a rule-utilitarian defence of noncombatant immunity.

Review Quote

"...Stephen Nathanson has written a fine book on terrorism and its relation to the ethics of war. It is comprehensive, thoroughly researched, and full of close argument, shrewd insights, and sober judgment.... he achieves a clarity of presentation and simplicity of style that make the book very accessible. His use of realistic examples is another significant and engaging aspect of his approach.... the book's most original feature is Nathanson's attempt to defend an absolute prohibition on the resort to terrorist acts by using rule utilitarian reasoning to ground an absolute commitment to noncombatant immunity.... There are many other interesting topics addressed by Nathanson, and his excellent book will repay study by anyone concerned with the urgent conceptual and moral complexities posed by terrorism and war." --C.A.J. Coady, University of Melbourne, Social, Theory and Practice

Promotional "Headline"

This book provides an analysis of what makes terrorism morally wrong, and a rule-utilitarian defence of noncombatant immunity.

Description for Bookstore

In this book, Stephen Nathanson argues that we cannot have morally credible views about terrorism if we neglect broader issues about the ethics of war. Challenging the realist view that morality does not apply to war, he provides an analysis of what makes terrorism morally wrong, and a rule-utilitarian defense of noncombatant immunity.

Description for Library

In this book, Stephen Nathanson argues that we cannot have morally credible views about terrorism if we neglect broader issues about the ethics of war. Challenging the realist view that morality does not apply to war, he provides an analysis of what makes terrorism morally wrong, and a rule-utilitarian defense of noncombatant immunity.

Details ISBN0521137160 Author Stephen Nathanson Publisher Cambridge University Press Year 2010 ISBN-10 0521137160 ISBN-13 9780521137164 Format Paperback Imprint Cambridge University Press Place of Publication Cambridge Country of Publication United Kingdom Birth 1943 Short Title TERRORISM & THE ETHICS OF WAR Language English Media Book Pages 328 Publication Date 2010-05-13 Affiliation Northeastern University DEWEY 172.1 Illustrations 6 Tables, unspecified UK Release Date 2010-05-13 AU Release Date 2010-05-13 NZ Release Date 2010-05-13 Alternative 9780511845215 Audience Professional & Vocational We've got this

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