Ethics at War: How Should Military Personnel Make Ethical Decisions?

This book discusses the different approaches to ethical decision-making for military personnel in liberal democratic states. The authors present and debate their preferred methods, including the Ethical Triangulation model, natural law-based approach, Moral Deliberation Roadmap, and quasi-utilitarian decision-making. Philosopher David Whetham provides a concluding summary of agreements and differences between the authors and suggests directions for future research.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 158 pages
Publication date: 20 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In this comprehensive volume, four esteemed thinkers present and engage in a lively debate on competing approaches to ethical decision-making for military personnel serving in liberal democratic states. Deane-Peter Baker, a renowned applied military ethicist, presents and elucidates the "Ethical Triangulation model," a method he has extensively employed throughout his career. Rufus Black, a prominent advocate for a natural law-based approach, has significantly influenced the framework formally adopted by the Australian Defence Force. Roger Herbert outlines the "Moral Deliberation Roadmap," the moral reasoning framework recently adopted by the United States Naval Academy. Iain King then presents a model of quasi-utilitarian decision-making, which he has developed in various post-conflict settings and refined at the UK's Royal College of Defence Studies.

Following the introductory chapters, in which each author outlines their preferred decision-making approach, the four contributors critically evaluate each other's proposals. Philosopher David Whetham offers concluding thoughts, summarizing areas of agreement, identifying key differences, and suggesting directions for future research.

This book holds immense appeal to students of military ethics, the ethics of war, moral philosophy, and International Relations, as well as military professionals. It provides a valuable exploration of the complex ethical dilemmas faced by military personnel in contemporary society, offering insightful perspectives and frameworks for navigating these challenging decisions.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032321202