The Ethics of War and Peace: An Introduction to Legal and Moral Issues - Softcover

Christopher, Paul

3.81

27 ratings by Goodreads

9780137862788: The Ethics of War and Peace: An Introduction to Legal and Moral Issues

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0137862784 ISBN 13: 9780137862788

Publisher: Pearson, 1998

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Designed as a starting point for debate and discussion, this classic introduction to the ethics of war and peace explores in depth the legal and moral issues of when and how to use force to achieve political objectives. A detailed overview and critical, philosophical analysis ― written by a professional soldier with over 25 years of commissioned service including 10 years as a professor of ethics at West Point ― it surveys the historical development of just war reasoning, its incorporation into the international laws concerning when and how to wage war, and the specific shortcomings with existing laws and practices concerning the conduct of modern-day hostilities.

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Review:

"This is a very good and useful book for both undergraduate and graduate courses dealing with just war and the ethics of war. It is attractive because it is brief ...but contains a high concentration of substance and encourages class discussions and further explorations in the field." ― Fariborz L. Mokhtari, Norwich University

"Soldier-scholar Paul Christopher contributes a significant book, applying philosophical insight to military practice, which resonates meaningfully against the din of the usual pabulum on the subject. An ideal textbook, it's important to the citizen but indispensable to the soldier." ― LTC (Ret.) Tim Challans, Associate Professor, Combat Studies Institute, USACGSC

"This text is energetically evaluative ...urging students to tackle real and serious war/peace implications of law and morality." ― Louis R. Beres, Purdue University

"I especially appreciate Christopher's historical discussion of the origins [of the Just War tradition in the classical era and the linkage he makes between just war and the development of international law." ― Wayne S. Osborn, Iowa State University

From the Back Cover:

Paul Christopher, a teacher who also served as a commissioned officer for over twenty-five years, has updated his classic, The Ethics of War and Peace. Christopher traces the historical development of just war reasoning, its incorporation into international laws concerning when and how to wage war, and certain shortcomings with existing laws and practices concerning the conduct of modern-day hostilities.

New to this Edition:

New chapter on terrorism and war.
Revised section on the Just War Tradition and weapons of mass destruction to reflect changes in technology.
New section on professional and humanitarian obligations, with special focus on the role of the United Nations.

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