In 'War, Morality, And The Military Profession,' Malham M Wakin challenges traditional notions of war and the ethical dilemmas faced by military professionals. He explores the intricate relationship between military duty and moral responsibility, raising thought-provoking questions about the nature of warfare. Through a philosophical lens, Wakin examines the implications of conduct in battle and the ethical frameworks guiding soldiers’ decisions. This compelling read ignites a deeper understanding of the moral complexities inherent in the military profession. What happens when honor clashes with morality on the battlefield?
By Malham M Wakin
Published: 1986
"In the crucible of war, where ethics and duty collide, the true measure of a soldier is not merely in bravery, but in the morality that guides their actions amidst chaos."
This anthology brings together material on two major related topics: the military profession, and morality and war. The revised and updated edition retains those sections that made the original version indispensable in the classroom, while incorporating new selections on topics of special concern for the 1980s and beyond. In particular, Colonel Wakin has included essays focusing on the relevance of nuclear deterrence and “just war” theory in the nuclear age. More than a third of the chapters are new.The articles in the first section stress the ethical dimensions of the military profession, considering topics such as the conflict between military values and societal norms, the relation of the military to the state, and the concepts of loyalty, honor, and integrity. New chapters include an essay by Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale suggesting how moral philosophy can serve the profession, contemporary commentaries on the profession by Jacques Barzun and Max Lerner, and new thoughts on ethics and leadership by Colonel Wakin.The essays in Part 2 confront the agonizing moral issues associated with warfare, especially modern warfare. In conjunction with discussions of the laws of war and war crimes, new chapters highlight the continuing debate on nuclear issues. Included are excerpts from the U.S. Catholic Bishops' pastoral letter, “The Challenge of Peace: God's Promise and Our Response''; a defense of pacifism by Stanley Hauerwas; arguments about the use of nuclear weapons and nuclear deterrence by Michael Walzer, Michael Novak, and Charles Krauthammer; and some moral reflections on the Strategic Defense Initiative (“Star Wars'') by Kenneth Kemp.
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“In the crucible of war, where ethics and duty collide, the true measure of a soldier is not merely in bravery, but in the morality that guides their actions amidst chaos.”
War, Morality, And The Military Profession
By Malham M Wakin
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Malham M. Wakin is an accomplished author and academic known for his thought-provoking works in the realms of philosophy and sociology. His notable publications include 'The Way of the World: The World and Its People' and 'Critical Thinking: A Beginner's Guide', which reflect his expertise in critical analysis and societal reflection. Wakin's writing style is characterized by clarity, depth, and a profound engagement with complex ideas, making his works accessible yet intellectually stimulating for a diverse audience. His contributions to literature have garnered respect in both scholarly and literary communities.
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