Peace, War, and Defense (PHIL 272)

This course will explore contemporary takes on Just War Theory.  In the midst of this exploration we will be looking at answers to questions like when is war justified, if ever?  What are the responsibilities of those involved in a war?  Does any state have the standing to justifiably wage war?  What is the right way to begin, fight, and end a war?  We will encounter these issues in just war theory specifically through reading works on this topic by Michael Walzer and Brian Orend.  Interesting issues that will also be covered in the course include secession, humanitarian intervention, terrorism, post-war regime change, as well as difficulties in warfare presented by the existence of nuclear weapons.

Jamaal Pitt’s webpage