Military Ethics: Guidelines for Peace and War

The authors of this book develop an ethical system to control the military monster, presenting a practical, utilitarian approach based on real military experience and different from any other work previously published. They argue that careful attention to the actual circumstances in which individual combatants function and the social institutions shaping their action allows for genuine moral constraint.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 04 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Many individuals hold the belief that the violent and disruptive nature of war renders a military ethic impossible. However, the authors of this book, originally published in 1986, present a different perspective. They develop an ethical system that aims to control the military monster, at least to some degree, rather than preaching idealistic principles with little or no practical impact. The authors argue that military ethics must encompass an ethics for peacetime as well as war, for soldiers in the field and political leaders alike. Their book is designed to meet these diverse needs.

The authors present a practical, utilitarian approach, emphasizing what is possible rather than ideal. They draw on real military experience and offer a unique perspective, distinct from any other work previously published. The book adopts a careful attention to the actual circumstances in which individual combatants function and the social institutions shaping their actions. This approach allows for genuine moral constraint, challenging the mistaken beliefs of pacifists who claim that war is morally wrong and realists who believe that wars must be fought without moral scruples.

Military Ethics offers practical insights and solutions for policy makers and military personnel at all levels. It also holds great interest to students of applied philosophy and ethics, as it delves into real-world problems and emphasizes the application of ethical principles in military contexts. By examining the complexities of war and the role of individuals and social institutions, the book provides a valuable contribution to the field of ethics and military studies.

Weight: 600g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367608514