Philosophy Department

War and Peace: Just War Theory
(PHLV 3972)

Chris Cullen

Since September 11, 2001, the United States has fought two major wars—in Afghanistan and in Iraq. America's war on terrorism gives every indication of lasting quite some time, perhaps decades, as did the Cold War. As a result, war has become the central moral issue of our time. It is therefore incumbent upon us, as a nation and as citizens, to reflect on the morality of war: whether it may be waged, and if so, under what circumstances and in what ways. In such a moment, it seems appropriate to consider carefully the principles of just war theory, and that is what this course will do. This course will be a class in applied ethics: it apply a normative ethical theory to the particular moral problems associated with war. However, before investigating the basics and complexities of just war theory, students will give some consideration to the two rival ethical theories about war, namely, pacifism and realism. In the course of their work, students will examine the history and development of just war doctrine. The closing weeks of the semester will focus on current issues, problems, and challenges for just war doctrine.

Allied soldiers landing on D-Day during World War II