Name: Utilitarianism and the Ethics of War By William Shaw (San Jose University, CA, USA)
SKU: 9780415825801
Price: 236.39 USD
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Utilitarianism and the Ethics of War Summary

Utilitarianism and the Ethics of War by William Shaw (San Jose University, CA, USA)

This book offers a detailed utilitarian analysis of the ethical issues involved in war.

Utilitarianism and the Ethics of War addresses the two basic ethical questions posed by war: when, if ever, are we morally justified in waging war, and if recourse to arms is warranted, how are we permitted to fight the wars we wage? In addition, it deals with the challenge that realism and relativism raise for the ethical discussion of war, and with the duties of military personnel and the moral challenges they can face. In tackling these matters, the book covers a wide range of topicsfrom pacifism to armed humanitarian intervention, from the right of national defense to pre-emptive or preventive war, from civilian immunity to the tenets of just war theory and the moral underpinnings of the rules of war. But, what is distinctive about this book is that it provides a consistent and thorough-going utilitarian or consequentialist treatment of the fundamental normative issues that war occasions. Although it goes against the tide of recent work in the field, a utilitarian approach to the ethics of war illuminates old questions in new ways by showing how a concern for well-being and the consequences of our actions and policies shape the moral constraints to which states and other actors must adhere.

This book will be of much interest to students of the ethics of war, just war theory, moral philosophy, war and conflict studies and IR.

Utilitarianism and the Ethics of War Reviews

'William H. Shaws Utilitarianism and the Ethics of War is a terrific book that will enlighten readers interested in moral problems about warfare as well as friends and foes of utilitarian moral theory.' -- Stephen Nathanson, Emeritus Professor, Northeastern University, USA

'In this important new work, Professor Shaw reflects not simply upon what states and their leaders actually consider or how they actually reason when declaring and conducting armed conflict, he offers convincing arguments regarding what they are also obliged to consider, and how they ought to reason about war and its consequences in terms of its overall impact on the welfare of their citizens and of society at large. While such utilitarian considerations traditionally infuse "just war" reasoning unsystematically, Shaws is the first explicitly systematic treatment by an eminent utilitarian moral philosopher of just exactly how considerations of well-being and the common good offer the most useful and advantageous analysis of wars likely impact and permissibility. This is a significant revision and clarification of just war reasoning generally that ought to be read by every serious scholar or student of political theory, international relations, or moral philosophy.' -- George Lucas, Emeritus Professor, U.S. Naval Academy

'William Shaw provides a cogent, compelling, and comprehensive account of the ethics of war, arguing persuasively that utilitarianism provides the most satisfactory basis for answering questions both about the justification of going to war, and about the ethical limits of conduct in war. This book provides a much-needed counterpoint to the deontological approaches that dominate contemporary discussion of military ethics.' -- Alastair Norcross, University of Colorado, USA

Shaws Utilitarianism and the Ethics of War masterfully develops utilitarian prescriptions about when wars should be fought and about what are the rules that commanders and lower-ranked military personnel should follow in wars. Especially impressive are Shaws explanations of how utilitarianism underwrites the principles of just war theory. This is a very wise book. -- Brad Hooker, University of Reading, UK

'Shaw's book deserves praise for several reasons. It is reader-friendly, well researched, organized, and argued. Most importantly it reminds us that although utilitarianism has been assassinated repeatedly both recently and in the past, miraculously, it is still alive and well.' -- Nick Fotion, Emory University, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews

'The volume is clear, carefully argued, and thorough in its discussion of the literature on the morality of war.' Summing Up: Highly recommended.' -- Choice, J. H. Spence, Adrian College (CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title for 2017)

About William Shaw (San Jose University, CA, USA)

William H. Shaw is Professor of Philosophy at San Jose State, USA. He is the author/editor of numerous books.

Additional information

Sku

NPB9780415825801

ISBN 13

9780415825801

ISBN 10

0415825806

Title

Utilitarianism and the Ethics of War by William Shaw (San Jose University, CA, USA)

Author

William Shaw (San Jose University, CA, USA)

Series

War, Conflict and Ethics

Condition

New

Binding type

Hardback

Publisher

Taylor & Francis Ltd

Year published

2016-02-15

Number of pages

196

Prizes

N/A

Cover note

Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.

Note

This is a new book - be the first to read this copy. With untouched pages and a perfect binding, your brand new copy is ready to be opened for the first time

Utilitarianism and the Ethics of War William Shaw (San Jose University, CA, USA)

Utilitarianism and the Ethics of War by William Shaw (San Jose University, CA, USA)

Summary

Utilitarianism and the Ethics of War Summary

Utilitarianism and the Ethics of War by William Shaw (San Jose University, CA, USA)

Utilitarianism and the Ethics of War Reviews

About William Shaw (San Jose University, CA, USA)

Table of Contents

Additional information

Customer Reviews - Utilitarianism and the Ethics of War