PHIL/POLI/PWAD 272.001 – The Ethics of Peace, War, and Defense

IDEAs in Action: Which curricular requirements does this course satisfy?

Instructor: Nicole Dominiak. This course meets TR 8:00 – 9:15 a.m. in DE 305.

This course will begin by exploring the three primary traditions within the ethics of war: pacifism, realism, and just war theory. In the background of these traditions lies deep disagreement over the questions of: “can war be justified?” and “can war be constrained?” We will next turn to the matter of: if war can be justified, how it should it be fought? Topics here include questions of civilian immunity, combatant liability, and proportionality among others. Finally, we will turn to the matter of peace: what is it and how is it best achieved? A major work we will consider here is Kant’s Perpetual Peace. The teaching of this course will make a special effort to incorporate discussion of contemporary conflict and conflict resolution, and students who wish to share their historical knowledge or own experiences will be most welcome to do so.

Have registration questions? Our PPE Administrators can help! Please email them at ppeprogram@unc.edu for assistance.