F1IS 4155 - Ethics of War (Lecture)

This course will discuss one very traditional and classical issue in international politics - the ethics of war - in a field where there have recently been numerous and substantial developments. It will exemplify the role of norms in warfare and discuss the major dilemmas that face those armies committed to following the basic codes of war. Its focus is mainly interdisciplinary as it brings together moral and political philosophy, international law and international relations. It will draw examples from both history and contemporary international politics and it will ultimately discuss legally and morally the coherence of certain rationales that aim at justifying the use of force. The course will highlight the merits of some ethical and legal norms that are extremely important to regulate the use of force during warfare. It will also show what are the current limitations of an ethical approach to war.

Learning Outcomes

• This course will inform the students about the debates around the laws of war.
• Student will become familiar with dilemmas armies and policy makers are confronted with in warfare.
• This course aims at giving the students the tools they need to build their own normative argument.

Background in philosophy, international law or international relations is a plus, but not an absolute requirement. What matters most is motivation.

This class is an interactive lecture, which includes some oral presentations. As this class is an ethics class, it is important that we share our thoughts and discuss collectively some of the riddles and problems that characterize the use of the laws of war.

• A final written paper of approximately 3000 words (including footnotes and bibliography), is due one week after the course’s last session. The paper is 70% of the final grade.
• Oral presentation. Students will provide a written report written by each group summarizing their contribution (for example, their PPT presentation). This presentation is 30% of the final grade.
• Participation during class: students who have significantly participated to our class discussions will get a bonus grade (added on top of the calculated final grade).

• In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 1.30 hours a week / 36 hours a semester
• Research and Preparation for Group Work: 3 hours a semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 10 hours a semester