Heritage and War: Ethical Issues

The world responded with horror to ISIS's campaign of destruction of cultural heritage across the Middle East, leading to a backlash against those voicing their concerns. Heritage and War addresses this issue within the context of a wider debate, investigating philosophical and moral questions arising from the phenomenon of heritage destruction in war.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 09 March 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The world reacted with shock and outrage to ISIS's relentless campaign of cultural destruction across the Middle East, which saw ancient ruins and heritage sites ruthlessly destroyed. Calls for an international response to prevent such damage echoed across the globe, as newspapers and screens were filled with images of human suffering, devastated cities, and thousands of refugees fleeing the conflict. This juxtaposition sparked a backlash against those who expressed concerns about the destruction of ancient ruins, often portrayed as a debate between stone and lives. However, in the face of such immense human suffering, it can be easy to overlook the significance of preserving cultural heritage.

Heritage and War addresses this critical issue within the broader context of a ongoing debate, delving into a range of moral questions that arise from the phenomenon of heritage destruction in war. Eleven original essays by leading philosophers explore various philosophical and moral dimensions of this issue, such as how we should respond to damaged heritage, the nature of the harm caused by such destruction, and the morally appropriate treatment of sites of war and conflict that have themselves become heritage sites. These issues are complex and profound, yet they have been largely neglected by academic philosophers.

This book makes a substantial contribution to developing this new philosophical territory and identifying the role that philosophers must play in shaping our understanding of and responses to these pressing issues. By exploring the ethical and philosophical dimensions of heritage destruction, Heritage and War offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between culture, war, and human suffering. It serves as a call to action for policymakers, cultural institutions, and individuals to prioritize the preservation of cultural heritage and work towards a more peaceful and harmonious world.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 241 x 163 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192862648