Ethics and the Good Soldier: Character in the Professional Domain

This book examines the soldier as a virtuous professional through a close examination of soldiers character and ethical reasoning, drawing on insights from British soldiers at three stages of their career. It is essential reading for all those interested in the character of soldiers in both a professional and academic setting.

Format: Hardback
Length: 86 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the profound exploration of the soldier as a virtuous professional, drawing upon extensive and internationally renowned empirical research conducted by the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues. Through a meticulous examination of the soldiers character and ethical reasoning, it sheds light on the essential qualities that define a virtuous military leader.

The book begins by asserting that virtues such as courage, honesty, loyalty, and integrity are fundamental to the essence of being a professional soldier. It draws upon insights from British soldiers at three distinct stages of their career, including officer cadets at Sandhurst, junior lieutenants/captains attending the Junior Officer Tactical Awareness Course, and senior captains participating in the Captains Warfare Course. These diverse perspectives provide a rich tapestry of experiences and insights that contribute to the understanding of soldiers character in the professional domain.

The book employs a comprehensive approach to examine soldiers character, encompassing various dimensions such as moral reasoning, decision-making, leadership, and teamwork. It explores how these qualities are developed and honed within the military training and operational environment, and how they contribute to the success and effectiveness of soldiers in combat.

One of the key findings of the book is that soldiers character is not merely a static trait but a dynamic and evolving entity shaped by a combination of personal qualities, training, and experiences. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, self-improvement, and continuous learning to enhance soldiers character and ensure their readiness for any challenges they may face.

Furthermore, the book offers valuable implications for practice and research in the field of military ethics and leadership. It highlights the need for policymakers, military leaders, and educators to prioritize the development of soldiers character and virtues, as these qualities are essential for building resilient and ethical military organizations.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking contribution to the study of soldiers character and virtues. It provides a deep understanding of the essential qualities that define a virtuous professional, and offers practical insights for practice and research in the military and beyond. By exploring the soldier as a virtuous professional, this book contributes to the broader understanding of character development and ethical reasoning, and serves as a valuable resource for all those interested in the character of soldiers in both a professional and academic setting.

Weight: 238g
Dimension: 142 x 225 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032362984